Integrating Digital/Mobile Learning Strategies With Students in the Classroom at the Historical Black College/University (HBCU)

Background/Theoretical Perspective

During the last 10 years, postsecondary education has shifted from the traditional face-to-face classroom style of teaching to incorporate technology that focuses more on digital and mobile learning. Today’s students are equipped with iPads and tablets at an early age and are not afraid to explore new technology as soon as it become available. The rapid advancement of technology over the last two decades has changed the dynamics of teaching and learning in the 21^st Century. Educators are now expected to integrate technology in the classroom to meet the needs of today’s learners (Henderson & Chapman, 2012). Therefore, faculty must learn strategies to engage college students, especially at Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), by promoting digital learning. Digital learning is not limited to teaching online courses. It includes mobile technology that can enhance learning and is accessible to students “anywhere” and at “anytime” (Tseng, Tang, & Morris, 2016, p.199). “As mobile technology promotes learning accessibility and flexibility, students can benefit from social interaction through the learning process which will also foster students’ performance and satisfaction on learning content” (Tseng, Tang, & Morris, 2016, p.199). Overall, digital learning is necessary “to create a system that contributes to deeper learning and produces a new generation of students equipped to thrive in college and their careers” (VanderArk & Schneider, n.d., p.6).

The terms digital learning and mobile learning encompass a vast array of modern tools utilized to enhance teaching and student learning. Digital learning is learning facilitated by technology that gives students some element of control. Digital learning requires a combination of technology (mechanism to deliver content), digital content (high quality academic material delivered through technology) and instruction (personalized guidance and assistance to ensure students learn and stay on track) (“What is Digital”, n.d.). It includes learning tools such as e-books, iTunes, blogs, wikis, podcasts and learning management systems (LMS) – such as Blackboard. Students are able to utilize the LMS for various academic activities such as downloading lecture notes or uploading assignments. Similarly, faculty members can make use of the tool for uploading lectures notes, grades, and so forth (Alrasheedi, Capretz, & Raza, 2016). Whereas, mobile learning (m-learning) is an evolving form of technology based learning (Irby & Strong, 2015). It is considered to be one of the fastest growing learning platforms. Mobile learning focuses more on portable handheld devices, such as tablets, iPads, iPods and smartphones that utilize wireless technology to impart education (Alrasheedi, Capretz, & Raza, 2016; Obyung, Fulk, Alijani, and Heon, 2015). Smartphones have become an important way for Americans to communicate, have access and share information. For many minority and low income college students, this device may be a viable option (Day-Black, 2015).