Does iPad use support learning in students aged 9-14 years? A systematic review

This systematic literature review sought to examine whether iPad or other mobile technology use by school students aged 9 to 14 years enhanced academic outcomes. Conducted in March 2019 using the PRISMA statement, the review identified 43 studies published between 2010 and 2019 which specifically addressed the research question. Findings revealed that iPad use for specific school learning areas such as mathematics, English, science, and the like has not consistently enhanced academic outcomes. Some reviewed papers also indicated that teachers were not always employing the technology most effectively. To defend the current extensive classroom use of mobile technology such as iPads, further research employing within-subject designs must be conducted. Such research must assess the efficacy of iPad use for attaining specific content area outcomes against pedagogies which utilise paper reading, handwriting and/or other manipulations of teaching materials. Moreover, teacher professional learning needs to be provided so that when teachers use iPads in classrooms they are able to deploy them in the most appropriate way

Mobile Learning Among Students in a Private, Title I High School: A Phenomenological Study

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the perceived impact of using mobile learning to improve the academic achievements of low-income, private high school students. My Christian faith and emphasis on students’ educational development were strong contributors to the study’s purpose. The theory guiding this study was the technology acceptance model. This framework helped explore the perceived impact that mobile learning had among low-income, private high school students. The central question was: What is the lived experience of low-income, private high school students using mobile technology in class? Subquestions were used to explore the academic, personal, and social benefits of using mobile technology in the classroom with low-income, private high school students who accepted technology as a benefit for learning. Moustakas’ (1994) phenomenological research data collection method was used as a guide for gathering data from the lived experiences of low-income, private high school students. Data sources included interviews, focus groups, and photovoice. The data analysis created the study’s triangulation and thematic saturation. Four themes emerged from the data collected, and included reduce stress, need for creativity, benefit of mobile technology, and disadvantages of using mobile technology. The student participants addressed their displeasure about specific academic environments that they felt contributed to their lack of academic motivation. The participants explained mobile learning would create a student-engaged learning environment. However, teacher readiness, distraction, and cheating were the perceived disadvantages