ERIC Number: EJ1082162
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0309-8265
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Student Perceptions of iPads as Mobile Learning Devices for Fieldwork
Welsh, Katharine E.; Mauchline, Alice L.; Powell, Victoria; France, Derek; Park, Julian R.; Whalley, W. Brian
Journal of Geography in Higher Education, v39 n3 p450-469 2015
This paper reports findings from six field courses about student's perceptions of iPads as mobile learning devices for fieldwork. Data were collected through surveys and focus groups. The key findings suggest that the multi-tool nature of the iPads and their portability were the main strengths. Students had some concerns over the safety of the iPads in adverse weather and rugged environments, though most of these concerns were eliminated after using the devices with protective cases. Reduced connectivity was found to be one of the main challenges for mobile learning. Finally, students and practitioners views of why they used the mobile devices for fieldwork did not align.
Descriptors: Field Studies, Handheld Devices, Electronic Learning, Student Attitudes, Questionnaires, Focus Groups, Prior Learning, Attitude Change, Usability, Technology Uses in Education, Teaching Methods, Multiple Choice Tests, Likert Scales, Foreign Countries, Mixed Methods Research, Undergraduate Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Iceland; Spain; United Kingdom; United States
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Author Affiliations: N/A