Theses and dissertations (Accounting and Informatics)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/4
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Item Examining perceptions of academic staff on the factors affecting the use of smartphones as a Constructivist Learning Tool : a proposed model(2021-07-05) Dyubele, Sithembiso; Heukelman, Delene; Soobramoney, SubashnieThe rapid growth of mobile technology has brought enormous benefits in terms of communication and how some tasks may be accomplished using this technology. However, although many benefits have been identified, many disadvantages have also been identified. The focus of this study was to determine the perceptions of academic staff members on the factors that affect the use of smartphones as a constructivist learning tool by students rather than as a mere communication and distraction gadget. The factors that could affect the use of smartphones as a constructivist learning tool were identified through a comprehensive literature review. Based on the factors found, a model depicting the relevant factors was constructed, and the model was validated. Six independent constructs for the model; Demographics, Attitudes towards smartphones, Facilitating Conditions, Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness, and Performance Expectations, were identified by grouping variables to measure each construct together. A questionnaire, based on the constructs and variables, was administered. The resulting data were analysed to validate the model. The conceptual model, tested by the survey, showing the significance of each factor, indicated that all the independent constructs impact the use of smartphones as a constructivist learning tool, either for communication and/or sharing academic-related activities. The results of this study found that Demographics, such as academic departments, Attitudes towards smartphones, Facilitating Conditions, Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness, and Performance Expectations all impact the use of smartphones as a constructivist learning tool.Item Investigating student perceptions on effective use of smartphones for mobile learning(2019) Naicker, Esavanie; Olugbara, Oludayo O.The current trend in educational institutions worldwide is the use of smartphones and smart devices to enhance student learning, which has many intrinsic benefits in improving students learning abilities, academic success, and engagement. The important features of education mobile applications boost student engagement through skills-oriented activities. It makes learning ubiquitous, provides access to the latest assorted learning materials, and reduces the communication barrier between students and education institutions. However, many important factors must be taken into account for the successful implementation of mobile applications by the mobile learning industry. This work investigates the factors influencing student perceptions of effective use of smartphones for mobile learning, by exploring theory of planned behaviour, technology acceptance model, expectation confirmation model, flow theory, and will, skill and tool model. A new structural model has been developed based on the factors satisfaction, continuous intention and effective use that can be applied to explain the effective use of smartphones for mobile learning. Data were collected from a survey population that represents 569 students studying at the university to validate the developed model. The technique of variance-based structural equation modelling was used for testing both the measurement and structural models to establish the full predictive power and reliability of the developed model. The results obtained are highly encouraging, giving predictive capability, reflecting that satisfaction and continuous intention to use are the most important predictors of the effective use of smartphones for mobile learning. These capabilities will enhance student learning skills to achieve better academic success through the exploration of the effective use of smartphones for mobile learning.