Abstract:

The use of mobile technology for learning purposes has become an essential component of any higher education studies. Mobile devices complement the more traditional learning and teaching methodologies, and its usage has grown exponentially as a result of the covid19 pandemic. However, the predominance of mobile-assisted learning practices has also been subjected to intense public debate and opposition from students and parents. In this regard, there is a need for clarity and an integrated holistic understanding of the contribution of mobile technologies on the learning process in higher education as evidenced by empirical research. More specifically, the study aims to conduct a thematic review on the investigated effects/characteristics of mobile technology-assisted learning in the higher education domain drawing on research published in the last 20 years in journals indexed in the education categories of ISI Web of Science. Given the large number of published articles, an automated thematic content analysis was conducted. The findings of the literature revealed several relevant advantages of using mobile technologies related to an enhanced learning process (e.g. higher student motivation, involvement, autonomous learning, satisfaction with the teaching method) and improved student competencies and skills (e.g. collaboration, teamwork, communication). The paper also discusses practical implications for higher education institutions and lecturers.

Keywords:

Mobile technology, higher education, mobile learning.