Instructor Perceptions and Intentions to Use a Tablet PC for Mobile Learning in a Ghanaian University: An Exploratory Case Study

Introduction And Purpose

Mobile learning or m-learning represents anytime and anyplace engagement in learning through Internet and wireless enabled mobile (personal) electronic devices, or as Wexler et al (2007) specifically put it, “any activity that allows individuals to be more productive when consuming, interacting with or creating information mediated through a compact digital portable device that the individual carries on a regular basis, has reliable connectivity and fits in a pocket or purse” (p.7).

The proliferation of personal mobile computing devices (Smartphones, iPad, Tablet PCs etc.), coupled with wireless communication technologies (WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS etc.) have created a wide array of new possibilities for technology users. In addition, these devices are becoming increasingly ubiquitous in the daily activities of most people, and in academia, particularly in higher education, it has been established that students spend more time using mobile tools for informal learning and collaborative activities than in formal school settings (Dahlstrom, 2012; Wang, Wu, & Wang, 2009).

Educators are therefore generally of the opinion that making teaching and learning processes accessible through personal mobile devices and technologies should be of benefit to students since these devices are in their direct control anytime and anywhere. M-learning processes therefore have the potential of facilitating and also enhancing learning through increased learner engagement, attention and participation in instructional and collaborative activities. Indeed, m-learning has been predicted to have a long-term impact on education (Martin et al., 2011), and a growing number of initiatives are demonstrating ways in which this approach can help confront existing educational challenges and pioneer new strategies for learning (McKinsey & Comapany and GSMA, 2012).

This notwithstanding, m-learning is still very much in its infancy in the higher education, particularly in Sub-Saharan African higher education (Docebo, 2014). This is not surprising, given that instructional design, pedagogical and best practice frameworks of m-learning are still being developed, while no clear standards presently exist for guiding the design and development of learning initiatives that take into account the different kinds of mobile technology platforms available (EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative, 2010). Challenges also exist from the user perspective, for example, the small screen sizes, limited processing powers and graphical limitations of most mobile devices means instructors and learners might be spending more than necessary time searching for and accessing information (Motiwalla, 2007). Additionally, the preponderance of social media applications on m-learning devices can be potentially disruptive of learning as students tend to multitask when using these devices.

Within the context of these challenges, one cannot be certain the extent to which instructors and learners are willing to accept m-learning as a viable means of delivering quality learning experiences. Interestingly however, several Ghanaian higher education institutions are hoping to mainstream m-learning into their educational practices by simply providing instructors and students with mobile computing devices (tablet computers in particular) and accompanying software applications, but rarely carry out evaluation studies to help predict and explain user acceptance, usability and usage levels of these devices for m-learning etc. Since instructor acceptance is a crucial factor in the success of a technology based educational initiative (Gong, Xu, & Yu, 2004), such studies have the potential of providing critical feedback that can help guide institutions pursue appropriate corrective steps as they make the inevitable transition to m-learning in the not too distant future.

Against this backdrop, and following the distribution of a customized tablet computer to instructors in one Ghanaian higher education institution, this study sought to predict these instructors' intention of using the device as the main platform for furthering m-learning in the institution, and also explain their future user behavior using simple measures taken after they had briefly interacted with the system. Findings of the study are discussed within the context of the overall acceptance of mobile learning within the Ghanaian higher education context with the objective of contributing towards the evolution of best-practice m-learning frameworks in Ghanaian higher education.