Abstract:

This paper will examine the changing study practices of UK distance learning students as they employ, adapt and integrate the use of new portable digital devices such as tablets, e-books and smartphones into their learning. The paper will use data from 1700 student that has been collected in a series of surveys at the Open University, UK by the E-Pedagogies Project between 2012 and 2016. The paper will report data about the study habits, patterns of use, study tasks and student experiences of distance learning students and will present analysis about how these appear to be changing over time. Open comment data provides further insight into how, why and where students are, or are trying, to study. The evidence paints a nuanced picture where the combination of handheld digital devices being used is in flux, where course learning designs need to better allow students a flexibility in study technology and pedagogies, and where the opportunity time for study remains fluid.

Keywords:

Mobile Learning, Learning Spaces, Distance Learning.