Investigating on mobile usage patterns and reasons by university students in the UAE inside classrooms

Farah A. Genena, Asel A. Mwafy, Mouza S. Al Mansoori, Abdel Hamid Ismail Abdel Hamid Mourad

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Nowadays, mobile phones have become a significant part of our lives and is no longer limited to a specific age group. Due to its ease of usage, most age groups own and are capable of using smart phones, mostly for entertainment and social purposes. In educational institutes, universities for instance, mobile learning (also known as e-learning) is growing widely, reducing the usage of traditional paper books. It can be accessed through numerous ways like, mobile phones, tablets or laptops. There has been multiple controversies whether e-learning has a positive impact on education or do some students abuse this equipment by accessing non-educational websites during class time. The aim of this paper is to quantitatively investigate the reasons and patterns of mobile usage (in specific) inside classrooms through a survey done by 167 students, males and females, ranging from freshmen to seniors from different universities across the UAE. The participants were students from the following universities: UAE University, Abu Dhabi University and the American University in Sharjah. The survey questions focused on reasons of mobile usage during class, reaction of instructors, concentration level in class post mobile usage. Mobile devices have a great positive impact on the educational process however, it has another face which includes distraction during class time disrupting the teaching-learning process. A small part of the survey included questions about the illegal use of mobile phones inside educational institutes (included in Appendix). Results have been coinciding with previous research papers. The survey is then concluded by the students' point of view on two options to enhance the e-learning experience.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2019 Advances in Science and Engineering Technology International Conferences, ASET 2019
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781538682715
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 14 2019
Event2019 Advances in Science and Engineering Technology International Conferences, ASET 2019 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Duration: Mar 26 2019Apr 10 2019

Publication series

Name2019 Advances in Science and Engineering Technology International Conferences, ASET 2019

Conference

Conference2019 Advances in Science and Engineering Technology International Conferences, ASET 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited Arab Emirates
CityDubai
Period3/26/194/10/19

Keywords

  • classrooms
  • e-learning
  • effect on concentration
  • mobile phones
  • reasons of usage

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Ceramics and Composites

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