Abstract—E-learning is the use of technology to enable students to learn at anytime and anywhere. E-learning might also include the provision of information, and training in a timely manner, as well as guidance from experts. Technology can effectively enable learners to learn at any place and any time. Mobile learning or m-learning is defined as Learning through multiple channels, using smart devices, through social networking and content. Mobile devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, and tablets such as iPads are popular and attractive among consumers due to several factors. In Saudi Arabia, universities have explored the implementation of m-learning devices to support learning and teaching. The purpose of this qualitative research was to examine students’ attitudes towards the use of m-learning for teaching and learning in Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was designed with three pivots distributed across 20 questions, and was distributed to 93 students who were selected randomly from Nora University, Qassim University, and King Abdul-Aziz University. Chi-Square (x2) was used to analyse data for comparison between frequencies (f) and expected frequencies (fe) around the phrases of the questionnaire. The results showed that students learnt a lot through the presence of m-learning. M-learning enhanced their awareness and recall of job-related information. However, they indicated that information from m-learning should be in a form that is readily usable. The students also confirmed that the quality of m-learning system was satisfactory.
Index Terms—Mobile learning, teaching, learning, Saudi Arabia.
Salem Alkhalaf and Mohammed Amasha are with Computer Department, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Alrass City, Qassim, KSA (e-mail: s.alkhalaf@qu.edu.sa, mw.amasha@yahoo.com).
Amal Al-Jarallah is with Prince Norah University, Canada (e-mail: asaljarallah@pnu.edu.sa).
Cite: Salem Alkhalaf, Mohammed Amasha, and Amal Al-Jarallah, "Using m-Learning as an Effective Device in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education in Saudi Arabia," International Journal of Information and Education Technology vol. 7, no. 6, pp. 411-416, 2017.