Mobile lecturers, mobile students: an exploratory study in a blended architectural technology context

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review mobility-oriented criteria that inform the on-the-move use of digital technology. It addresses aspects of mobile technology-enhancement learning and the perceived differences between mobile lecturers and mobile learners in a higher education (HE) context in an Architectural Technology domain.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of literature comprising journal and peer-reviewed conference papers, books and e-articles published between 2009 and 2016 was conducted. The review was supplemented by the administration among facilitating lecturers (n=3) and a cohort of undergraduate students (n=14) of custom-designed survey questionnaires, comprising open-ended and closed items. Qualitative analysis via ATLAS.ti of literature sources and questionnaire-based feedback led to a theoretically grounded codebook enhanced by empirically based items.

Findings

Qualitative analysis of literature sources and respondent feedback produced guidelines for mobility in HE environments and led to a set of 32 criteria grouped pragmatically in six themes, namely: mobile technology; stakeholder outlook; effectiveness; facilitation; capability and interactivity. Furthermore, perceived differences between mobile lecturers and mobile students emerged and informed institutional decisions regarding mobility in educational contexts.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited in the following ways: although the all facilitating lecturers (3) and the enroled cohort of students (14) was selected, this sample is small. The institutional comprises several campuses, faculties and departments covering a wide spectrum of domains. However, the study was purposively and conveniently limited to a single innovative and blended, undergraduate Architectural Technology programme. Face-to-face interviews were not feasible limiting primary data collection to online survey questionnaires; and finally, the study was not longitudinal but designed to be based on a “slice in time” context.

Practical implications

Strategic, tactical, and operational stakeholders such as institutional leadership; administrators; courseware designers; lecturers; and students benefit from this study.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge by speaking to capabilities of mobile technology in a digital milieu. It guides practical mobility considerations in HE environments and supports competitive advantage decision-making. The paper establishes awareness of mobility differences between mobile lecturers and mobile students thus highlighting concepts associated with the ad hoc use of mobile technology among HE stakeholders.

Citation

Harpur, P. (2017), "Mobile lecturers, mobile students: an exploratory study in a blended architectural technology context", Journal of Enterprise Information Management, Vol. 30 No. 5, pp. 748-778. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-06-2016-0118