Challenging assumptions: Mobile Learning for Mathematics Project in South Africa

Abstract

This article introduces the Nokia Mobile Learning for Mathematics Project in South Africa, which made use of mobile technology to support mathematics learning at 30 public secondary schools. It draws on the evaluation of this project from January to June 2010. The article discusses learner access to mobile devices, learner and teacher uptake and use of the service, the relationship between learner and teacher use, and the impact on learner results in mathematics. The article outlines the assumptions made by project participants about the uptake and use of such a service, which were not substantiated by the evaluation findings.

Keywords:

• mobile learning
• mathematics education
• secondary school
• social networking
• access

Acknowledgements

The evaluation research work conducted by Neil Butcher and Associates, on which this article is based, was funded by Nokia.