Impacts and Satisfaction of Using Smartphones for Learning in a University Context

Abstract

The use of smartphones for learning has increased dramatically due to the availability of affordable data and free WiFi networks across universities. However, the impact that smartphones have on a student’s overall learning experience needs more investigation. This paper looks at the positive and negative impacts smartphone use has on a student’s learning experience and whether this leads to an overall satisfaction with mobile learning. Quantitative data was collected through an online survey that was distributed via e-mail to a student body at one South African university. With over 400 responses, we found evidence for some, but not all hypothesized positive and negative impacts. Additionally, there was strong support for how these impacts contribute to overall satisfaction of using a smartphone for learning, explaining more than 60% of the variance. We also found that the overall positive satisfaction leads to differentiated, continued uses of the smartphone.