University Students’ Engagement in Mobile Learning

Abstract

The implementation of mobile learning seems to be an emerging topic in many educational institutions. As recently noticed, mobile technology has employed wireless technologies to communicate, think, learn, and share in order to spread and exchange information. Therefore, using mobile technologies in learning and teaching can create a positive environment in higher education. Hence, the purpose of this study is to evaluate mobile learning engagement among educational technology students. Data from three focus group discussions and 15 semi-structured interviews with students who experienced mobile learning were gathered using a qualitative approach design. A total of seventeen basic themes and four organizing themes were extracted, where the researchers categories of engagement, i.e., social engagement, cognitive engagement, emotional engagement, and behavioral engagement. In the present research, the findings indicate that social engagement themes included social–mobile interaction, building community, developing relationships, and competition. The cognitive engagement themes included attention, cognitive and meta-cognitive strategies, immersion, and cognitive curiosity. Emotional engagement themes included excitement and enjoyment, instructor comforting students, motivation, and emotional safety. Behavioral engagement themes included effort and time on task, attendance, participation, and positive conduct.

Keywords

• mobile learning
• mobile technology
• student engagement
• university students