Ubiquitous E-Learning: Student Attitudes and Future Prospects

Abstract

Post-secondary students are increasingly receiving instruction by eLearning. Many or these are part-time students or are working while taking classes. In such circumstances, students may find themselves short of time to study. One mechanism that can be exploited to make the best use of available time is ubiquitous eLearning. Ubiquitous e-learning is learning which can take place anywhere, anytime. Following this paradigm, ubiquitous e-learners use mobile devices such as smart phones, tablets, and laptops to learn wherever they are. Furthermore, ubiquitous e-learning implies context-sensitivity so that the style of learning as well as the material is adapted to the e-learner’s immediate surroundings. Ubiquitous e-learning has been identified by researchers as an increasingly important paradigm for the future, for both non-traditional learners as well as for today’s generation of students who are increasingly comfortable with mobile devices as their primary computing platforms. In spite of this, evidence about students’ attitudes towards ubiquitous e-learning is scarce. In order to guide and inform our future research in ubiquitous e-learning research, we have performed a survey of our computer science students. In this paper we present the results of this survey, our evaluation of the results, and our reflection on how these results will inform our future research. We also present our initial thoughts on how sensor-filled mobile computing devices will enable ubiquitous eLearning.