Students’ Conceptions of Mobile Learning (M-Learning) in University Education of Bangladesh

Abstract

This Masters’ thesis discusses emerging results from a phenomenographic research study that was conducted in Bangladesh to investigate the students’ experience on the use of mobile devices in their learning. In total, 16 students from four universities of Bangladesh took part in the semi-structured interviews to explore their understandings and experiences on m-learning. The findings of this study have been categorized into six qualitatively conceptions: (i) storing learning materials, (ii) accessing and sharing information and knowledge, (iii) effective learning tool, (iv) effective tool for communication, (v) effective tool for collaborative learning and lastly (vi) effective tool for developing new ideas. This research built on prior studies that explored university students’ conceptions of learning in other areas of education. However, the main emphasis in this study was on investigating their experiences in mobile learning, as an emerging area of education research, which revealed aspects of university learning. The findings of this masters’ thesis could play a significant role in faculty development programs and have an impact on teaching and learning practice in the university education. With reference to prior studies that defined a relationship between student’s learning methods and teacher methods, the study suggested that future research on teacher’s conception on mobile learning may be conducted in order to create clear link between students and teachers in the use of mobile devices in learning environment.