Muasaad Alrasheedi

A meta-analysis of critical success factors affecting mobile learning

Considering the popularity and ubiquitous nature of mobile phones, the acceptance of m-Learning in educational institutions is limited. While several studies have reviewed m-Learning platforms, different settings and contexts make it difficult to collate these studies and discover the key factors for the successful adoption of m-Learning platform. This study uses meta-analysis technique to compare results from multiple studies assessing the critical m-Learning success factors. We find that learners perceive collaboration opportunities and anytime-anywhere learning possibility as the key benefits of m-Learning. Further, good content presented in a user friendly way is a primary expectation from an m-Learning application.

A study of the interface usability issues of mobile learning applications for smart phones from the users perspective.

A conceptual framework for measuring the usability characteristics of mobile learning (m-Learning) application has been developed. Furthermore, a software prototype for smartphones to assess usability issues of m-Learning applications has also been designed and implemented. This prototype has been developed, using Java language and the Android Software Development Kit, based on the recommended guidelines of the proposed conceptual framework. The usability of the proposed model was compared to a generally available similar mobile application (based on the Blackboard) by conducting a questionnairebased survey at Western University. The two models were evaluated in terms of ease of use, user satisfaction, attractiveness, and learnability. The results of the questionnaire showed that the participants considered the user interface based on our proposed framework more user-friendly as compared to the Blackboard-based user interface.

A Systematic Review of the Critical Factors for Success of Mobile Learning in Higher Education (University Students' Perspective).

The phenomenon of the use of a mobile learning (m-Learning) platform in educational institutions is slowly gaining momentum. However, the enthusiasm with which mobile phones have been welcomed into every aspect of our lives is not yet apparent in the educational sector. To understand the reason, it is important to understand user expectations of the system. This article documents a systematic review of existing studies to find the success factors for effective m-Learning. Our systematic review collates results from 30 studies conducted in 17 countries, where 13 critical success factors were found to strongly impact m-Learning implementation. Using these results within the framework of the diffusion of innovation model for innovation adoption and the critical success factors together help us see what aspects of the innovation decision process are the likely causes of the reduced take-up of m-Learning by university students.

Management's Perspective on Critical Success Factors Affecting Mobile Learning in Higher Education Institutions - An Empirical Study

Mobile learning (m-Learning) is considered to be one of the fastest growing learning platforms. The immense interest in m-Learning is attributed to the incredible rate of growth of mobile technology and its proliferation into every aspect of modern life. Despite this, m-Learning has not experienced a similar adoption rate in the education sector, chiefly higher education. Researchers have attempted to explain this anomaly by conducting several studies in the area. However, mostly the research in m-Learning is examined from the perspective of the students and educators. In this research, it is contended that there is a third important stakeholder group whose opinion is equally important in determining the success of m-Learning: the university management. Although diversified by nature, heads of departments, deans, and information technology system administrators are nevertheless considered members of any university management. The results of the research show that university commitment to m-Learning, university learning practices, and change management practices were the factors critical to the success of m-Learning, from the university management perspective.

INSTRUCTOR PERSPECTIVES OF MOBILE LEARNING PLATFORM : AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

Mobile learning (m-Learning) is the cutting-edge learning platform to really gain traction, driven mostly by the huge uptake in smartphones and their ever-increasing uses within the educational society. Education has long benefitted from the proliferation of technology; however, m-Learning adoption has not proceeded at the pace one might expect. There is a disconnect between the rate of adoption of the underlying platform (smartphones) and the use of that technology within learning. The reasons behind this have been the subject of several research studies. However, previous studies have mostly focused on investigating the critical success factors (CSFs) from the student perspectives. In this research, we have carried out an extensive study of the six factors that impact the success of m-Learning from instructors’ perspectives. The results of the research showed that three factors – technical competence of instructors, Instructors’ autonomy, and blended learning – are the most important elements that contribute to m-Learning adoption from instructors’ perspectives.