Survey Analysis-ML11

Survey Analysis

This comment of analysis is associated with a survey compiled from the creation and polling of a survey, by online students of The University of Manitoba.

The title of the course is Mobile Learning, where we have been exploring the trends of this new approach of teaching and learning. Students getting online are on the upsurge and the potential for growth in this new area is increasing daily.

This phenomena brings with it criticism, both positive and negative. Life, as we know it, is causing a mental shift on the way the world works, especially in technology.

Three major observations will be discussed and three recommendations will be offered, based on the survey outcomes.

• Communication

Many respondents used Smartphones and iPads more than 5 times daily to respond to emails (Q#11).

These tools enhanced better engagement of learners (Q#14).

For half of the respondents, mobile learning was seen as facilitating synchronous and asynchronous communications (Q#17).

• Access/Connection

Smartphones and iPads seem to be the devices of choice for education, training and personal use (Q# 5 & 10).

Connections to networks and rapid access were among the most successful of mobile attributes (Q #14).

Audio/visual usage, researching, collaborating and finding Geolocations were among the agreed potential uses of mobile devices (Q#15).

• Portability

One of the main reasons mobile devices were ranked as positive for using, was the fact that they are an easily transported object (Q#12).

The capabilities of varied features on one device were an appreciated element (Q#14).

The fact that most students carry them around is another outstanding feature (Q#12).

As suggested from the survey (Q#22), the future of mobile devices in learning has to overcome many issues.

Suggestions

I think that the devices encourage higher engagement. If student access increases, then teachers may be more willing to prepare online content and pursue a more ecological environment.

Training educators for more students to be more dynamic on mobile devices would be the ideal. Unfortunately, everyone is not connected.

Communication online is highest among secondary and college students. While online learning is deemed important, staff and administrators are resistant to training for themselves and for the students. Only with full cooperation and guidance will the learners share and collaborate to be mlearners.