An Interactive Mobile Computing Model to Enhance Personalized learning for At-risk Students in South African Higher Learning

摘要

Personalized learning, by taking advantage of advances in technologies, can augment formal learning in education. However, although existing personalized learning technologies offer some flexibility, they still face challenges in suggesting content that is appropriate for the learner and a context. Due to the increased number of students in higher institutions of learning in Africa, instructors often find it challenging to give individuals personal attention during contact sessions. Therefore, institutions of higher education may consider incorporating personalized learning through mobile technologies to facilitate learning outside the classroom and off campus. Studies have been conducted on assessing learner perceptions of the effectiveness of technology-supported personalized learning in higher institutions. However, there is a need for contextual models for mobile computing for personalized learning that caters for a specific set of learners and their supporting environments. The study will develop a mobile computing model that will enhance personalized learning for learners, particularly at-risk students in South African tertiary education. The study will adopt the design and creation research strategy using an iterative five-step process. Furthermore, the study will use mixed methods to collect data both from students and lecturers. In addition, qualitative data will be collected from interviews with instructional designers who are experts in customizing learning management systems and designing course material.