Future of Mobile Learning During and After Global (Covid-19) Pandemic: College of Basic Education as Case

Abstract

The declaration of world health organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020 that the new coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global pandemic has urged countries around the world to impose severe restrictions on their populations in a bid to stop the spread of infection. Imposing social distancing policy has consequence to stop different sectors from daily operations and education one of these sectors. This movement has consequence to accelerate the need for alternative. Mobile learning known as the ability to provide educational content on personal pocket devices, or personal digital assistants (PDAs). This style of learning is in its early stages in terms of both pedagogies and its technologies. M-learning represents a new era in learning and educational development in terms of enhancing the educational outcomes and offering mobile training for employees who are busy off campus. The opposite argument here is that this approach of learning might not be sufficient to fulfill the educational process requirements. Aim of this study is to assess from students points of view, current applications of m-learning in Kuwait’s College of Basic Education and evaluate the potential of this approach. Sample of the study consist of fifty-two students (30 male and 22 female) determined by a purposive sampling method. Collected data via online questionnaire to assess the participant’s perceptions and the analysis has revealed a positive attitude towards the utilization of m-learning in higher education; the average perception of was above average, with a mean of 3.54 out of 5.00. No statistical differences were found reflecting students’ gender (female/ male) or their level of experience with information and communications technology (weak, above average, or advanced). As a result, the study recommends accelerating the development of courses taught and incorporating mobile learning delivery. Adopting a blended learning strategy based on m-learning can motivate the students’ learning and reduce the fears of adopting mobile technology within the curriculum. Keywords: Covid-19, M-learning, E-learning, Instructive knowledge, Distance learning DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-17-01 Publication date: June 30th 2020