Exploring the mobile learning needs amongst performing arts students

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to study the information needs and online information-seeking behaviors on mobile platforms of performing arts students at a college level. Design/methodology/approach Survey instruments were used to collect data from performing arts students at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts (HKAPA), a metropolitan’s major performing arts tertiary institution. Data collected were analyzed through descriptive statistics and other statistical methods, and the music-related students were compared with the production-related students. Findings The result reveals that performing arts students all owned their mobile devices and often used mobile apps for non-academic purposes, but they did not often use mobile library services or read online academic contents with their mobile devices. The participants considered inadequate signal coverage, slow loading time, difficulty in reading on a mobile device and the lack of specialized mobile apps as more significant barriers affecting their usage. There are some significant differences between the music-related and production-related student groups in that music-related students watched lectures on the library websites and used electronic music scores more often than the production-related students. Practical implications This study contributes to the input for enhancements and policies to future mobile services and facilities of performing art libraries. Originality/value There have been scant studies on the mobile learning needs of performing arts students, especially in Asia.

Medical students’ attitudes and perceptions towards the effectiveness of mobile learning: A comparative information-need perspective

“…Mobile technology involving wireless networks, smartphones and tablets is inherent in the life of the younger generation nowadays, regardless of their academic discipline. Our findings are consistent with the results of other studies in that many students have indicated a tendency to use their smartphones to engage in various leisure, recreational and relaxation activities, such as watching videos and listening to music (Fan et al, 2020; Ko et al, 2015; Wai et al, 2018). The medical student respondents in this study are no exception; the majority are digital natives and have been using mobile technology daily for a variety of social and entertainment purposes.…”

“…The findings from this study extend and reinforce earlier studies (Dukic et al, 2015; Fan et al, 2020; Ko et al, 2015; Lau et al, 2020) in that these medical student respondents commonly used mobile devices for looking up quick facts, as well as for a variety of social networking and recreational purposes. For example, a majority of the respondents indicated that they used mobile devices for the following purposes: ‘instant messaging’; ‘accessing search engines’; ‘checking or sending emails’; ‘social networking and sharing’; and ‘getting directions’ (see Table 5).…”

“…As highlighted by Walsh (2015), despite the convenience of such mobile technology, students are interested in mobile library services only when they can actually see the need, the benefits are apparent to them, or the digital content is relevant to their study and practice. Along the same lines, whether a university library is providing access to relevant and adequate content for learners could be one of the critical factors determining students’ level of activeness in mobile learning (Fan et al, 2020). Appendix 1 provides a comprehensive comparison of the tools (online learning applications), e-journals, databases and other online library workshop materials for western medicine (Clinical Science and Nursing) and Chinese Medicine available at the HKU Medical Library.…”

Adapting Environmental Education for a Virtual Space

“…These measures may not be necessary long-term, but as we learn how to adapt to what some call the "new normal" it is important to explore all of our options. Noted by Fan et al (2020), the majority of students and educators own mobile devices which are comparable to desktop computers; the capacity to teach and learn from a device is present. Social media applications are also more likely to be used by students overall than any other non-academic applications (Fan et al, 2020).…”

“…Noted by Fan et al (2020), the majority of students and educators own mobile devices which are comparable to desktop computers; the capacity to teach and learn from a device is present. Social media applications are also more likely to be used by students overall than any other non-academic applications (Fan et al, 2020). Additionally, the majority of college-age students take in their news through social media (Chung et al, 2020).…”