M-learning in higher education: Technology ownership and common attributes among millennials in South Africa

Abstract

This research investigates the mobile technology ownership concerning M-learning and identifies Tapscott's (2009) common traits of Millennials in a South African context. Technology growth and adoption is impacting the education sector by changing teaching and learning through an innovative form of learning commonly known as M-learning. Along with the growth in adoption of technology, students learning profiles have also changed over time, evolving toward another generation of learners referred to as Millennials. A total of 103 Millennial student respondents in a higher education institution in South Africa were surveyed to collect primary data and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results according to which the entire sample population owned at least one type of mobile devices. The findings also indicated that technology acquaintance and innovation are the most relatable attributes shared among Millennials.