In the last decade, there has been an increase in the number of web-enabled mobile devices, offering a new platform that can be targeted for the development of learning applications. Worldwide, developers have taken initiatives in developing mobile learning (M-learning) systems to provide students with access to learning materials regardless of time and location. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether it is viable for first year students enrolled at the University of Namibia (UNAM) to use mobile phones for ad-hoc learning of mathematical concepts. A system, EnjoyMath, aiming to assist students in preparing for tests, examinations, review contents and reinforce knowledge acquired during traditional classroom interactions was designed and implemented. The EnjoyMath system was designed and implemented through the use of the Human Centred Design (HCD) methodology. Two revolutions of the four-step process of the HCD cycle were completed in this study. Due to the distance between UNAM and Rhodes University (where the researcher was based), the researcher could not always work in close relation with the UNAM students. Students from the Extended Study Unit (ESU) at Rhodes University were therefore selected in the first iteration of the project due to their proximity to the researcher and their similar demographics to the first year UNAM students, while the UNAM students were targeted in the second iteration of the study. This thesis presents the outcome of the two pre-intervention studies of the first-year students' perceptions about M-learning conducted at Rhodes University and UNAM. The results of the pre-intervention studies showed that the students are enthusiastic about using an M-learning system, because it would allow them to put in more time to practice their skills whenever and wherever they are. Moreover, the thesis presents the different stages undertaken to develop the EnjoyMath system using Open Source Software (PHP and MySQL). The results of a user study (post-intervention) conducted with participants at UNAM, ascertained the participants' perception of the usability of the EnjoyMath system and are also presented in this thesis. The EnjoyMath system was perceived by the participants to be "passable"; hence an M-learning system could be used to compliment an E-learning system at UNAM.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:rhodes/vital:4701 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Ntinda, Maria Ndapewa |
| Publisher | Rhodes University, Faculty of Science, Computer Science |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis, Masters, MSc |
| Format | 121 p., pdf |
| Rights | Ntinda, Maria Ndapewa |
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