Using a mobile learning application for troubleshooting the technical problems: A case study


Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Turkey

Approval Date: 2015

Student: Yusuf Murat Özdemir

Principal Supervisor (For Co-Supervisor Theses): ÖMER DELİALİOĞLU

Abstract:

Decrease in student and instructor motivation and satisfaction can be an important problem if technical problems in classroom and offices are not solved timely in school settings. Besides, difficulties in getting technical support in the beginning or during the class hour can make instructors reluctant to use technology in their future classes. In this study, the effects of the technology related problems that teaching staff, which were faculty members and research assistants in higher education, were investigated trough using a mobile learning application. The effect of the technological problems they experience in their classes on their motivation, satisfaction and concerns, attitudes towards technology were investigated. How easy it was to use the developed mobile learning application to support them in troubleshooting these problems by themselves was also analyzed. An Android based mobile learning application was designed and developed based on the records of the Technical Support Office on previous year reported and solved problems and the pre-interview results with the participants. An instrumental case study research design with pre and post interviews were conducted with ten faculty members and research assistants from the Faculty of Education in the Middle East Technical University. The participants used the mobile learning application for approximately six weeks. At the end of the six weeks, post interviews were conducted to the same participants. Results showed that the application prevented motivation and satisfaction drop and decreased the concerns of the participants for using technology in their classes. Participants stated that the application was easy to use with relevant content and user interface. They also indicated that the mobile learning application had positive effect on their technology literacy.