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m-Learning: A 21st
 century education

ABU DHABI — The use of mobile devices significantly enhances students’ learning experience and considerably improves their creativity and critical thinking.

This was confirmed by professors at the UAE University (UAEU) who carried out a study, focusing on the major set of skills required by the 21st century educational framework — creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration.

Teachers are no longer the sole source of information in the learning process of students. — Supplied photo

In an experiment conducted between September 2012 to January this year, select students in the Foundation programme were divided into two groups. About 175 students were given iPads (with access to iTunesU, cloud computing and several apps) to study using the mobile learning approach, while 30 were made to learn in the traditional classroom setting using PCs or laptops, regular textbooks and a paper and pen.

The attitudes and performance levels of the two groups were compared and analysed.

“We have a high concentration of learning in the mobile approach compared to the traditional 
class,” said head of IT at UAEU’s Foundation programme Yazid Benchabane.

He noted that with mobile devices, learning was not limited to the classroom alone.

“The students’ creativity and critical thinking improved by 100 per cent, based on the statistical model. In terms of learning, they are more engaged, learning outside the classroom and asking questions … they are inspired to learn more. This didn’t happen before,” he stated. The students also communicated more effectively. They were keen to share their ideas online using networking sites such as YouTube.

According to a student survey conducted as part of the study, students were inspired by how the teacher uses the content. The survey also highlighted that teachers are no longer the sole source of information; they typically depend on Google, YouTube and other online resources.

“Mobile devices do not replace a teacher but they provide amazing visualisation. I find it made our work easier, and improved the motivation and communication within my group. I learned many new methods of obtaining information using the iPad. The 21st century is the era of technology. We need m-learning!” commented Mohammad Kittaneh, a UAUE Foundation student.

However, despite the positive reinforcements provided by mobile learning, collaboration is a concerning issue. It was found that, if mobile learning is not implemented well, it can lead to “isolation” among students.

“We have seen students in a corner using the mobile device,” observed Benchabane, who noted the need for activities that would foster collaboration skills among students.

“To bridge this, we have to rework our content,” he pointed out.


olivia@khaleejtimes.com