A worldwide adoption of smartphones has transformed various aspects of daily life, including education. This study examines the use of smartphones as learning tools among undergraduate students enrolled in multiple learning management systems. The study further explores the challenges students face when using smartphones while learning through LMS.
A semi-structured interview and observation were conducted with undergraduate students at the University of Dar es Salaam, who were using smartphones to learn through a learning management system.
Findings indicate that smartphones play a crucial role in undergraduate education, enabling students to access learning materials, attend online lectures, engage in self-study, and complete their assignments. Notwithstanding this, several challenges were identified, including distractions from “notification” messages, limited battery life, and small screen sizes, which negatively affect students' concentration, study efficiency, and overall learning experiences.
The study highlights that smartphones are becoming increasingly popular and almost indispensable in educational teaching, learning, and communication processes; it is essential to embrace and address the highlighted challenges to optimize their effectiveness. The study recommends that educators should prepare content compatible with smartphones to help students learn better.
