Asian Journal of Distance Education

Yazarlar: Steve WARNER

Konular:

Anahtar Kelimeler:Mobile learning,Blended learning,Social learning,Collaboration,Interactive learning

Özet: The use of mobile learning continues to gain strong acceptance as a social technology facilitation medium in many tertiary institutions around the world. Its use as the platform in blended courses is an innovation in modern educational technology delivery methodology and strategy. This study employed WhatsApp mobile learning to explore the perceptions of 50 learners at a Caribbean university. The learners were from two Bachelor of Education mathematics courses for pre and in-service primary school teachers. These mathematics courses are compulsory and the students were either from their first or second year of their four-year degree or have been teaching for no more than five (5) years. Interviews were conducted in this qualitative research and the data analyzed. The results demonstrated that mobile social learning has a place in the future of higher education and that learners are not only easily connected synchronously but the geographical gap is greatly diminished. The interaction in such a collaborative learning environment was highlighted and the communication tool of WhatsApp exploited to the delight of the users. The learners’ gained a better perspective of the objectives of the course from the collaborative sessions. Their communicative skills improved and the continual interaction with their peers and facilitator accounted for them obtaining excellent grades, enjoying the class and learning in a friendly and fun environment. Online distance learning (ODL) was attained despite the challenges of access and cost to some learners. The WhatsApp groups also gave support to colleagues who were unable to attend class(es) and this was done in their own creative style.

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