Instructor Perceptions and Intentions to Use a Tablet PC for Mobile Learning in a Ghanaian University

This study used aspects of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to predict instructor acceptance and adoption of a tablet computer for mobile learning in a Ghanaian University. Following the distribution of a customized tablet PC (known as Campus Companion) to all instructors of the institution, and an expectation that they will use these devices to support and facilitate mobile learning, data on instructor perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral intention to use the technology were gathered and analyzed. Thirty-eight (38) instructors participated in the study. Findings show that instructors' intentions to use the tablet PC for mobile learning are very low, and are significantly influenced by their perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and attitude towards the device. Implications of these findings for practice and further research are discussed within the context of the adoption of m-learning within the Ghanaian higher education context in particular and the developing world in general.

Applied Competences for Students by Using M-Learning Devices in Higher Education

The purpose of this chapter is to present a case study for evaluating the competences (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) applied by students in Higher Education by using m-learning devices in a course taught in an online distance education. The research question was: Which skills do the students need to learn through m-learning devices? Two variables used in this study were: m-learning and learning technology skills. The results shows that m-learning becomes an extension, addition and/or evolution of online studying and that the student requires a set of basic knowledge and skills to handle cell phones and iPods as learning tools. Students also develop skills in computing, communication, productivity, relationships, leadership, self-study while being involved in a study mode such as mobile learning. Students also require competences such as self-management, evaluation and selection of information, creativity, communication and collaborative work.

Virtual Territorial Heritage in Education through mLearning Resources

This research aims to establish the meanings and relations that exist between creating educational content for an application featuring Mobile Pedestrian Navigation Systems (MPNS) and Augmented Reality (AR), and the processes involved in Mobile Learning (mLearning). In this mobile context, the study aims to develop a training process linked to territorial information about the corresponding architectural and historical heritage of the cities of Salamanca (Spain) and Santiago (Chile), proving their educational importance. Methodologically, this research focuses on two main areas: (1) The optimized design of a learning platform with AR and MPNS resources in a historical context; and (2) the validation of the software's educational effectiveness in relation to other traditional teaching and learning tools. Finally, the study is in the process of creating a thematic heritage model determining the scope of this tool in the processes of mLearning, considering the elements of identity and local culture.

Engaging Students to Learn Physics and Mathematics through Short High Quality M-Learning Resources

A methodology to design short high quality M-Learning resources aimed to engage students to learn Physics and Mathematics is proposed. Key characteristics to generate motivating mobile resources are identified and applied to produce educational video-capsules. Audiovisual design elements based on cognitive theory of multimedia learning are incorporated. Short videos covering central topics of Mathematics and Physics undergraduate courses that can be displayed on mobile devices are designed. A study case with first-year engineering students using the mobile resources is performed in order to assess student engagement. The results indicate that most students show a positive perception on the educational videos. A parallel study in order to evaluate the impact of the mobile educational videos on student learning is also presented. From this analysis it is suggested to incorporate the use of mobile resources as part of active learning methodologies. Some recommendations for designing mobile resources are presented, and suggestions for implementation of the resources are also provided.

The Impact of Social Media on Instruction in Higher Education

The technological revolution of the past two decades has changed communication in contemporary educational settings. Consequently, there is now a wide gulf between the unlimited use of technology and higher education, particularly with respect to digital communications between professors and students. Technology offers college students an array of options to socialize, network, stay informed and connected, but with risks and consequences. As social media use by students becomes more established, educators in higher education are pursuing methods to continue significant and appropriate contact with their audience. Web 2.0 digital technologies convey information and permit interaction with distance participants. Personal use of digital technologies for social media communication is one thing; social media use by professors for communication with students is another. Can social media be used in higher education to improve learning through student and faculty collaboration and are there less than desirable results in the interaction of social media and higher education?

The Effect of Using Mobile Devices on Students' Performance in Writing

The number of projects exploring the potential of mobile device-facilitated learning is steadily growing in higher education, prompted, in part, by the use of mobile technology in the work place. The use of mobile devices has expanded from short-term trials on a small scale to large-scale integration in educational settings from primary to higher education. With this increase, the use of textual-based communication has also increased. Hence, the mode of writing faces a new environment from printed text to the digital. However, there remains a lack of analysis that brings together the findings of the impact of using mobile devices on students' performance in academic writing. Consequently, the aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of how mobile devices impact students' performance in writing along with recommendations for possible future pedagogical uses of mobile technologies. The chapter builds on a pilot study conducted in spring 2014 at a university in Dubai, UAE, which explored the effect of using the iPad on learners' writing performance.

A Research Contribution to the Analysis of Mobile Devices in Higher Education from Medical Students' Point of View

This paper attempts to provide some insights about the use and perception of undergraduate students about the applications of these devices at University and the importance they give to the adoption of mobile technologies in their education. The methodology used for this purpose was a designed survey distributed to different undergraduate students of Medical Schools from University of Salamanca. It collects information of the most relevant aspects that the students consider when they interact with mobile devices, how often they use them and the type of apps they download. Also, it makes an especial mention of training apps and their handling by the participants. The survey is based on the Technological Acceptance model of Davis. This model helps us to understand the current situation of mobile technologies from the point of view of students. This paper also analyses the existing relationships between the different factors that could influence in their attitude to accept the mobile technology.

Academic Libraries' Mobile Initiatives and Research from 2010 to the Present

An examination of the literature from 2010 to the present reveals a variety of academic library mobile initiatives. In addition to creating mobile library websites, librarians utilized iPads to support roving reference, rounding library services, as well as information literacy instruction. IPads were also offered to patrons for circulation and librarians conducted research to enhance their understanding of students' use of iPads. Articles documented the availability of Quick Response (QR) codes in academic libraries to support students' access to materials. Despite the diversity of these mobile initiatives, academic librarians' employed similar strategies to foster their development including: obtaining support, collecting data, as well as promoting and assessing the projects. One or more of these strategies remained characteristic of libraries' mobile initiatives identified in the literature during these years.

Information Sharing and Communications with Mobile Cloud Technology

The use of mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet computers, and PDAs) has steadily increased in recent years. At the same time the cloud-based applications have greatly enhanced the computing capabilities to these mobile devices. Therefore, the emergence of mobile-cloud technology is promising for offloading computations to the cloud. In this chapter we explore the state-of-the-art research in mobile-cloud technology and discuss the integration of the mobile devices and cloud-based applications. We begin by describing the mobile-cloud architecture and its functional components. Next, we explore the applications (e.g., education, healthcare, disaster management, etc.) and related challenges (e.g., bandwidth utilization, latency, connectivity, etc.) with the mobile-cloud technology. Finally, we outline the issues associated to these applications that need to be improved upon for delivering a more scalable and resource-enhanced mobile-cloud technology to the users.

Development Challenges of a Full Integrated App in Higher Education

A recent development in Higher Education reflects a growing use of digital systems and services. Younger students tend to adapt in a quicker manner than their predecessors and app use has not been an exception. This chapter's tried to reflect upon the paradigm shift in the field of HE associated with the introduction of apps like learning and health promoting apps, with particular focus on mHealth and biofeedback. The newer trend of gamification is also considered as a potential tool for increased motivation and engagement. The authors consider that the development of a coherent solution, based on a multidisciplinary approach for the promotion of students' educational success and well-being would be a worthwhile investment, leading to an innovative, integrated multidisciplinary app that might act as a promoter of HE student's adaptation, success and wellbeing.