The Use of Smartphone for Learning Activities by University Students in Kuwait

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

There has been a shortage of relevant studies concerning Smartphone usage in Kuwait by people in general and students in particular. The aim of this study was therefore twofold: (i) to explore the use of Smartphone for learning purposes among universities' students in Kuwait and (ii) to identify if there are any socio-demographic differences in this usage among universities' students. A questionnaire with 376 students was conducted in order to achieve the study objectives. The results showed that generally students always used their Smartphones at their homes and they sometimes used these phones in recreation places and transportation, at university, and while walking. Also, they always used their Smartphones to do ten learning activities namely checking the exams schedule, checking class timetable, checking grades, login to the university portal, using blackboard (LMS), using it to participate in the class learning groups, downloading class material, registering courses, reading tutors' announcements, and payment of fees. Moreover, social networking, learning, privacy, and safety were important reasons for owning/using Smartphones by students. Furthermore, the study found that at least one learning activity that students did using their Smartphones varies according to at least one of seven socio-demographic variables (i.e., gender, major, nationality, brand of Smartphone, using it for the first time, age range and level of study). In contrast, one demographic variable has no effect on any of the learning activities (i.e., marital status). Several recommendations were suggested based on these findings that may improve the effectiveness of Smartphone usage among universities' students in Kuwait.