Hategekimana, Claver P.

English

Educational institutions recognize that technology is an increasingly important factor in today\u27s world as a skill and as a facilitator for learning. ln response, Dakota State University introduced the wireless, mobile computing initiative (WMCI) that made tablet personal computers (Tablet PCs) mandatory learning tools for both instructors and students. However, little is known about the effect of this technology on course performance. First, this study focuses on quantitative analysis to verify the relationship between student performance and Tablet PC. To achieve this goal, we statistically compared learning outcomes before and after the integration of tablets. The comparison showed that one out of five evaluated courses indicated a significant positive difference, while four courses did not show any significant impact. Second, we used data from three surveys to compare expectations of students and faculty in pre implementation with their perception in post adoption of the tablets. Fourteen out of sixteen evaluated items did not show any significant impact on satisfaction of faculty. The remaining two items showed that instructors are concerned with the quality of education students receive and expressed a need for training to effectively adopt tablets into their courses. Student evaluation of 18 items indicated that this new technology significantly exceeded their expectations, except students feel that the price of tablet is too high. Some data showed that students and faculty believe the tablets help them to accomplish school work, but at the same time tablet are viewed as distraction. ln conclusion, action is needed to minimize student distractions and maximize training outcomes to address complexities associated with adoption of wireless, mobile computing technology in the curriculum

Beadle Scholar at Dakota State University

Dakota State UniversityBeadle ScholarMasters ThesesFall 8-1-2005The Effects of Wireless, Mobile Computing onCourse Performance: A Course Comparison andParticipant Perception AnalysisClaver P. HategekimanaDakota State UniversityFollow this and additional works at: https://scholar.dsu.edu/thesesThis Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Beadle Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in Masters Theses by an authorizedadministrator of Beadle Scholar. For more information, please contact repository@dsu.edu.Recommended CitationHategekimana, Claver P., "The Effects of Wireless, Mobile Computing on Course Performance: A Course Comparison and ParticipantPerception Analysis" (2005). Masters Theses. 244.https://scholar.dsu.edu/theses/244

The Effects of Wireless, Mobile Computing on Course Performance: A Course Comparison and Participant Perception Analysis

https://scholar.dsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1243&amp;context=theses

The Effects of Wireless, Mobile Computing on Course Performance: A Course Comparison and Participant Perception Analysis

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Beadle Scholar at Dakota State University