Identification of Usability Impact of Mobile Learning STEM in a Local University Context

Abstract

Despite the rapid progress of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in developed countries, in Malaysia, STEM is still lagging. Malaysia also lacks the local digital content for STEM, including mobile learning. Furthermore, from previous studies, the Human Computer Interaction (HCI) of local cultural aspects has been overlooked, which is unfortunate, as they can contribute to better usability design of the mobile devices and their apps. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the insights of the impact of the usability factors in terms of the general usability and culturally appropriate design factors of mobile devices, such as smart phones. The methodology deployed is largely qualitative with focus group discussions with respondents from a local university. The findings highlight insights, such as general usability and the culturally appropriate design of smart phones. This study can be of benefit as it provides insights concerning the usability impact factors for the local context.