Abstract:

Mobile e-learning (m-learning) is a teaching-learning methodology supported by the use of mobile devices, such as computer tables, smartphones, iPods, and devices with wireless connectivity. It allows, according to the type of device, to make calls, photographs, videos, notes, surf the internet and social networks, send messages, record audio, among others.

In Mexico, m-learning is mainly used in distance education. In the face-to-face education, information and communication technologies such as computers, laptops, ... but the cell phone in class? The mobile devices in class, today is something difficult to accept because it is considered that these devices are only for entertainment and therefore are distractors of the class and far from benefiting the learning, it is considered that rather they use it by copying tasks. For this reason is that mobile devices are viewed from this a biased view, considering that their use would not allow the development of educational and technological skills, but only playful.

It is important that higher education in Mexico faces the challenge of incorporating these mobile technologies into the face-to-face school space, since, on the one hand, their educational potential is a reality, but on the other hand, young people must be prepared to live with these Technologies, not only for their daily life but also as part of their educational environment and for solving professional problems.

This research, which starts from a larger research project at the National Polytechnic Institute (Mexico), seeks to understand the perception that students and teachers have regarding the use of mobile devices in the school space, prejudices and recognition that at the moment they consider can offer these technologies. In a second moment, from the previous diagnosis, to create strategies for its acceptance and educational use in the face-to-face modality at the higher educational level.

To understand these aspects, a qualitative study is carried out using interviews and focus groups to understand the meaning of social action of teachers and students, their motives, past experiences, discoveries regarding the use of mobile devices in the classroom, both at undergraduate level in postgraduate studies, through a comparative case study between a public university and a private university. In the case of the private university will be the Center of Higher Studies of Mexico, and in the case of public university, the National Polytechnic Institute.

This paper will present the first phase of a larger research carried out at the National Polytechnic Institute, at this stage will present the results found regarding the identification of prejudices, obstacles and recognition and benefits that teachers and students see with the use of m-learning in the classroom.

Keywords:

m-learning, education, postgraduate, degree, obstacles, prejudices, mobile devices.