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M-Learning adoption in higher education towards SDG4.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: M-Learning adoption in higher education towards SDG4.
Authors: Maketo, Lydia1 (AUTHOR) Lydia.maketo@curtin.edu.au, Issa, Tomayess1 (AUTHOR) Tomayess.Issa@cbs.curtin.edu.au, Issa, Theodora1 (AUTHOR) Theodora.Issa@curtin.edu.au, Nau, S. Zaung1 (AUTHOR) Z.Nau@curtin.edu.au
Source: Future Generation Computer Systems. Oct2023, Vol. 147, p304-315. 12p.
Subjects: Mobile learning, Digital learning, Higher education, Student attitudes, Universities & colleges, Appropriate technology
Geographic Terms: Zimbabwe
Abstract: Mobile learning (M-Learning) is under-researched in Zimbabwe although it has the potential to improve learning and teaching in the Zimbabwe higher education sector. It is a tool that can help to achieve the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) which is to "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all". This study identifies the benefits and challenges of transitioning from a traditional approach to M-Learning from the perspective of Zimbabwean students, and how these challenges can be mitigated or overcome in tertiary institutions to achieve the SDG4. This qualitative study utilises focus group discussions involving twenty undergraduate students from three higher education institutions, and conducts thematic analysis of the data. This paper identifies the benefits of M-Learning in terms of SDG4 and the challenges of M-Learning in attaining SDG4, showing the complexity involved in introducing digital learning on a larger scale. The study offers suggestions to mitigate the challenges, and recommends ways to implement M-Learning effectively to ensure the provision of quality education. Finally, the paper concludes with an acknowledgement of the study's limitations and suggestions for future research. • M-learning is a tool that can help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). • Mobile technologies are appropriate tools for advancing education in developing countries. • Introducing digital learning on a large scale in higher education is complex. • To ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, the challenges of achieving SDG4 through M-Learning can be mitigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
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Abstract:Mobile learning (M-Learning) is under-researched in Zimbabwe although it has the potential to improve learning and teaching in the Zimbabwe higher education sector. It is a tool that can help to achieve the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) which is to "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all". This study identifies the benefits and challenges of transitioning from a traditional approach to M-Learning from the perspective of Zimbabwean students, and how these challenges can be mitigated or overcome in tertiary institutions to achieve the SDG4. This qualitative study utilises focus group discussions involving twenty undergraduate students from three higher education institutions, and conducts thematic analysis of the data. This paper identifies the benefits of M-Learning in terms of SDG4 and the challenges of M-Learning in attaining SDG4, showing the complexity involved in introducing digital learning on a larger scale. The study offers suggestions to mitigate the challenges, and recommends ways to implement M-Learning effectively to ensure the provision of quality education. Finally, the paper concludes with an acknowledgement of the study's limitations and suggestions for future research. • M-learning is a tool that can help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). • Mobile technologies are appropriate tools for advancing education in developing countries. • Introducing digital learning on a large scale in higher education is complex. • To ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, the challenges of achieving SDG4 through M-Learning can be mitigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:0167739X
DOI:10.1016/j.future.2023.05.010