Teaching Practice Supervisors' Experiences of Being Involved in Mobile App Development at an ODe-L Institution

Abstract

This study used a case study to map teaching practice supervisors' experiences of being involved in developing the teaching practice mobile app (TPMA) for supervising students at an open distance e-learning (ODeL) institution. The technology acceptance model (TAM) was used as a theoretical framework for the study. Data were collected through semi structured interviews and analyzed thematically. The perceived usefulness of participating in app development is associated with empowerment and the opportunity to reflect. The participants' perceived ease of use was unfavorable, as they found downloading the app challenging and received minimal support from the developer. Even at an ODeL institution, supervisors would typically travel to visit students in teaching practice. The teaching practice mobile app would give supervisors flexibility and access to their students, as they would no longer have to travel to schools, and they could supervise their students remotely. The study recommends support for university supervisors to integrate mobile technologies into their teaching practice.