Student perceptions of iPads as mobile learning devices for fieldwork

Welsh, K. E., Mauchline, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1168-8552, Powell, V., France, D., Park, J. R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3430-9052 and Whalley, W. B. (2015) Student perceptions of iPads as mobile learning devices for fieldwork. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 39 (3). pp. 450-469. ISSN 1466-1845 doi: 10.1080/03098265.2015.1066315

Abstract/Summary

This paper reports findings from six field courses about student’s perceptions of iPads as mobile learning devices for fieldwork. Data were collected through surveys and focus groups. The key findings suggest that the multi-tool nature of the iPads and their portability were the main strengths. Students had some concerns over the safety of the iPads in adverse weather and rugged environments, though most of these concerns were eliminated after using the devices with protective cases. Reduced connectivity was found to be one of the main challenges for mobile learning. Finally, students and practitioners views of why they used the mobile devices for fieldwork did not align.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/42828
Identification Number/DOI	10.1080/03098265.2015.1066315
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development > Department of Sustainable Land Management > Centre for Agri-environmental Research (CAER)
Publisher	Taylor & Francis
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