Challenges in transforming, engaging and improving m-learning in Higher Educational Institutions: Oman perspective

Abstract

Nowadays, the student community is growing up with mobile devices and it has becomes an integral part of their life. Devices such as smartphones, tablets, and e-book readers connect users to access information and enabling instant communication with others. The enormous growth and affordability of mobile devices influenced their learning practices. Mobile technologies are playing a significant role in students' academic activities. The factors like convenience, flexibility, engagement, interactivity and easy-to-use enable mobile learning more attractive to students. With these trends in mind, it is important for the educators to inherit the mobile technologies in effective teaching and learning. Our study explores the challenges that exist in implementing the m-learning technologies in the teaching and learning practices of higher educational institutions of Oman. Our study also addressed various issue like adoption of technology, transition to new technology and issues related to engaging students. Based on the outcomes of the study, a framework has been formulated to address all the challenges that are identified for the successful implementation of m-learning.