Contextualising M-Learning Readiness Actor Network in an Open Distance Learning University

• Published in: Proceedings of the International Conference on e-Learning (Online) pp. 305 - XVI
• Main Authors: Paledi, Victor, Alexander, Patricia
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Kidmore End Academic Conferences International Limited 01.07.2018
• Subjects: Actor-network theory; Change management; Colleges & universities; Developing countries; Distance learning; Educational Environment; LDCs; Learning Readiness; Literature Reviews; Mobile communication systems; Qualitative analysis; Research Methodology; Social factors; Students; Studies; Technology utilization; Universities; South Africa
• ISSN: 2048-8882; 2048-8890

The use of technology to facilitate learning in universities has increased in both developed and developing countries and hence has been the subject of several scholarly studies. Some of these have made recommendations on how to use available technologies, including mobile technologies, effectively in a learning environment. However, many universities in developing countries are still faced with the challenge of using these mobile technologies successfully to facilitate learning. There is evidence that an early assessment of the m-learning readiness of these universities could increase the success rate. Using Actor-Network Theory as a lens, this study aims to inform open, distance learning universities of a wide variety of factors that need to be addressed to improve m-Learning readiness. Data was collected at a large open distance learning university using qualitative, open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The outcomes of the study indicate that the success of m-Learning is dependent primarily on socio-technical issues. A number of critical actors, both animate (or social) and inanimate (including technology-related) actors were identified, many of whom would obviously be expected to play key roles. These actors are lecturer, student, university, top management, IT expert, learning management system, m-Learning policy, mobile device, researcher and infrastructure. However, it is the roles that these actors play, the relationships between them, and how best they can present their ideas and products to other actors that received special attention. Awareness, content presentation, alignment of interests, training programmes, the change management process, appropriate communication channels, costs and funding were all found to be important attributes influencing m-Learning readiness within the environment studied. This paper contributes practically, as the socio-technical concerns (comprising the actors and the associated attributes) can be used as a foundation to assess m-Learning readiness in other universities, particularly other open distance learning universities. Theoretically, this paper provides evidence that m-Learning readiness is complex and might be difficult to examine using traditional technology readiness, adoption and use models.