Student perceptions of iPads as mobile learning devices for fieldwork

Abstract

This paper reports findings from six field courses about student's perceptions of iPads as mobile learning devices for fieldwork. Data were collected through surveys and focus groups. The key findings suggest that the multi-tool nature of the iPads and their portability were the main strengths. Students had some concerns over the safety of the iPads in adverse weather and rugged environments, though most of these concerns were eliminated after using the devices with protective cases. Reduced connectivity was found to be one of the main challenges for mobile learning. Finally, students and practitioners views of why they used the mobile devices for fieldwork did not align.

Keywords::

• fieldwork
• mobile learning
• tablets
• iPads
• pedagogy
• m-learning

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all of the students who participated in the surveys and FGs.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The three-year National Teaching Fellowship Project “Enhancing Fieldwork Learning” was funded the Higher Education Academy.