M-Learning in education during COVID-19: A systematic review of sentiment, challenges, and opportunities

Abstract

The flexibility and relatively low cost of mobile devices make educational systems more accessible for learners and educators worldwide. When incorporated with the internet, it creates a better learning environment than the conventional classroom lecture. Many studies have been done to shed insight into the existing state of mobile learning (M-learning) studies. However, further research is needed into this topic at a specific time, i.e., during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to retrieve, review, investigate, and critically assess the existing literature on M-learning that was conducted during the COVID-19 concerning our research theme. This study considered publications from four databases, narrowed our initial search results of 4056 articles down to 83 that are relevant to our research questions, and did an in-depth analysis based on the systematic review protocol. The findings explored the major focusing areas of M-learning applications, the regional sentiment of M-learning users, the determinants and perceptions of M-learning, as well as the benefits, challenges, and opportunities associated with M-learning. This systematic literature review (SLR) was performed to apportion a contribution toward an improved understanding of the basic principles that underpin the rethinking of M-learning applications for policymakers, online course designers, and blended learning facilitators.

Keywords

• M-learning
• Education research
• COVID-19
• Sentiment
• Challenges
• Opportunities