Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of smartphone usage on self-directed learning activities by considering the case of Mount Kenya University Kigali, Rwanda. The targeted population was 1,984 students of six schools of Mount Kenya University, Kigali and 180 lecturers, from which a sample of 95 students and 64 lecturers was obtained using simple random sampling technique by applying Slovin’s formula. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide. The analysis and interpretation of quantitative data was done using statistics such as frequencies, percentages, weighted means, standard deviations and Multiple Regression Analysis. This was achieved using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 (SPSS V.20.0) and Microsoft Excel 2013 software as the tools for analysis. Qualitative data was interpreted using content analysis. The research findings was presented using graphs and frequency tables. The analysis of the study indicated that 89 (93.70%) of the respondents students owns smartphones and 87 (91.60 %) of them participate in self-directed learning activities such as 85 (89.50%) of the respondent participating in knowledge sharing and collaborative learning activities and 71 (74.70%) of the respondents confirmed to participating in self-guided reading and researching activities. From the Multiple regression analysis, it was found that the correlation coefficient r=0.591, signifying a moderately strong, positive correlation between the usage of smartphones and self-directed learning activities. Recommendations included, conducting awareness campaign on potential benefits of smartphone in education, promoting self-directed learning at higher learning institution and breaking barriers that compromise information access such internet access facility.
Keywords: Smartphone, Mobile Learning, Self-directed learning.
Title: Smartphone Usage and Self-Directed Learning Activities at Mount Kenya University, Kigali, Rwanda
Author: Jean Claude Ruvuta, Prof. Raymond Wafula Ongus
International Journal of Thesis Projects and Dissertations (IJTPD)
Research Publish Journals
