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Student observations: Introducing iPads into university classrooms

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Abstract

This paper explores the growing trend of using mobile technology in university classrooms, exploring the use of tablets in particular, to identify learning benefits faced by students. Students, acting on their efficacy beliefs, make decisions regarding technology’s influence in improving their education. We construct a theoretical model in which internal and external factors affect a student’s self-efficacy which in turn affects the extent of adoption of a device for educational purposes. Through qualitative survey responses of university students who were given an Apple iPad to keep for the duration of a university course we find high levels of self-efficacy leading to positive views of the technology’s learning enhancement capabilities. Student observations on the practicality of the technology, off-topic use and its effects, communication, content, and perceived market advantage of using a tablet are also explored.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nipissing University School of Business, 100 College Drive Box 5002, North Bay, ON, P1B 8L7, Canada

    Leslie J. Wardley & Colin F. Mang

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  1. Leslie J. Wardley
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  2. Colin F. Mang
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Correspondence to Leslie J. Wardley.

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Wardley, L.J., Mang, C.F. Student observations: Introducing iPads into university classrooms. Educ Inf Technol 21, 1715–1732 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-015-9414-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-015-9414-4

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