The Roles of Device Ownership and Infrastructure in Promoting E-Learning and M-Learning in Indonesia

Abstract

In developing countries, where most people have cell phones (even when they don't have reliable electricity or internet service), e-learning and m-learning offer great opportunities for educating a vast populace, particularly in rural communities. This article presents an analysis of primary data from over one thousand secondary school students in Indonesia, the fourth most populated nation in the world, to determine how they are using e-learning and m-learning and how device ownership influences that. The findings from the logistic regression models show that mobile devices are more important than traditional PCs in promoting e-learning, while tablets are better than smartphones for promoting m-learning. Having access to free wi-fi is equally important. Students who prefer m-learning on mobile devices over traditional e-learning activities on PCs tend to be more active and collaborative learners. These findings can help inform policy makers in improving the educational attainment in Indonesia and other developing countries.