The Current State of m-Learning in Higher Education: A Survey Study of Mobile Technology Usage in the Classroom

Abstract

Existing research acknowledges the proliferation of mobile devices in society, but very few studies have sought to understand the demographics of the students who actually utilize mobile technology for their learning needs. Despite the pervasiveness and attention given to m-learning, there is still a lot of unknowns about how to integrate mobile technology into learning practices. Therefore, this paper describes an exploratory survey study that examined U.S. college and university students’ responses to collect data about current mobile technology use. Novel to this study, gaining a clearer picture of mobile technology from students, educators and researchers can better apply m-learning to target desired learning behaviors and outcomes. Results suggest students have access to many mobile devices, however, they tend to be very selective in what device they choose to use for their learning. The findings indicate that their use of mobile technology is highly dependent upon the characteristics of the learning activity they are engaging in, and the subject matter. Students also reported mobile devices having a positive impact on their learning for quick, just-in-time learning activities.