Emerging Mobile Learning Technologies for Future Emergencies: Lessons Learned from COVID-19 Experience from the Perspective of Al-Baha University Faculty

The purpose of this research was to investigate the adoption of m-learning application from the faculty members’ perspective at Al-Baha University not limited to the COVID-19 pandemic but rather future advancement of e-learning in higher education. This research aims to contribute to the development of improvements in adoption, implementation, and barriers to ML tools to provide insights on how to improve training and learning in situations that are disrupted further in the future by both technology and increased shift toward distance and flexible learning environments. A survey research design with analytical descriptive design was conducted to analyse the level of adoption and usage of smart devices in teaching learning activities. The sample comprised 100 faculty members, with data collected via an online questionnaire containing 12 items divided into two key factors: the state and the practices of using mobile learning applications in teaching after the pandemic as well the difficulties met in the process. 

The results revealed that the attitudes of the faculty members toward the mobile learning applications for distance education were mostly positive. Therefore, the study showed that the participants agreed on some challenges that are experienced when using such applications. This work is relevant since it fosters understanding of mobile learning as a teaching strategy at universities with reference to a crisis/emergency situation and potential didactical distance learning ideas in the future. Speaking of the findings made in the study, the emphasis is made upon the necessity to develop the ways to improve support and training for faculty what means that an academic staff, to share their experience and provide students with adequate knowledge about online classes. Thus, the contributions of this study transfer to studying and advancing education policy and practice, helping institutions coordinate their mobile learning and remove barriers that affect teaching and the learning process. They are particularly valuable as institutions plan for further disruptions such as future pandemics, technological advancements or other, to make sure that mobile learning stays viable solution in context of constantly changing environment of education.

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