Benefits and Barriers toward Effectiveness of Mobile Learning from Students’ Perspective in the Higher Education

Abstract

The main purpose of this research study was to find the benefits and the barriers of mobile learning from students' perceptions towards the effectiveness of mobile learning. This paper reports on the results of the interview of eleven undergraduate and graduate students in the University of Kansas (KU). An analysis of the qualitative interview questions findings is presented focusing on the effect for mobile-learning (m-learning) practices in university learning environments. The author has attempted to determine how this technology can be optimally used to assist student learning at The University of Kansas if they avoid the barriers. Six themes developed from the responses and each of them was examined to develop fundamental categories that related to those themes. The data came up with positive perspectives toward the effectiveness of mobile learning in higher education and they also shared some of their experiences of the barriers of using mobile learning as a supplemental tool in higher education. The findings show that mobile learning in higher education is affordable, easy communication among students themselves or between students with teachers. On the other hand, there are some barriers such as distracting and limited functions.