Abstract:

The current study examined the preferred mobile learning features used to make sense of mathematics by undergraduate Emirati students and determined if the students valued a mobile device as an essential tool to learn mathematics. Participation included sixty-three undergraduate students enrolled in a mathematics course at Zayed University (Dubai campus, United Arab Emirates). Both students and instructors used the Texas Instruments Nspire: Computer Algebra System (CAS) App in a semester mathematics course. The app has such features as enter expressions in proper mathematics notation, import images, dynamically linked notes, share work across platforms (emails, iTunes, Dropbox, etc.), and save documents to mobile device. Based on a pre- and post-survey, students’ positive perspectives of mathematics increased, negative perspectives declined, and instructor influence on mobile learning increased. The pre- and post-questionnaire concluded a rise in the participants’ opinion of mobile learning as an essential tool to support the understanding of mathematics.

Keywords:

Middle East, TI-Nspire CAS App, United Arab Emirates, university mathematics.