Description

The overarching purpose of this study was to investigate the phenomenon of mobile learning with a view to designing a framework for its implementation within the post-school sector. Hence the research topic: A framework of mobile learning for the post-school education and training sector in South Africa.
The study was premised on the observation that while society has experienced transformational changes due to people creatively using mobile phones, a similar intensity has not occurred of their use in the field of education and, particularly, for tertiary education. The proliferation of mobile phones of some 60 million subscribers in South Africa and 700 million in the rest of Africa presents several possibilities for education. Using mobile phones to learn has been conceptualised as mobile learning, which Traxler (2016) defines as a knowledge production activity that occurs anywhere and at any moment with the help of a mobile device.
Researchers in South Africa, such as Blom (2015), document that the inappropriate size and diversity of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector, demonstrated by the annual scramble for the available spaces at higher education institutions, suggest that there are not enough post-school opportunities available; consequently, there is a need to build and equip more institutions.
Buthelezi (2015) stated that PSET sector has encountered an overwhelming contraction, leading to an inverted pyramid where the public college base has been largely decreased, leaving the government university system to take charge of all post-secondary education needs.
Yet the PSET sector in South Africa is still incapable of meeting the educational needs of the 3.4 million youths in the bracket of 18 and 25 who are not receiving any tertiary education.
In line with the above observations, other researchers and policymakers have advocated for the introduction of alternative learning systems such as distance learning, electronic learning and mobile learning that can be used to extend the PSET sector. This thesis focuses on mobile learning.
There are several studies that have been conducted on the consumption of information technology such as: awareness, readiness, acceptance, adoption, usage and continuous usage. However, there is a discernible absence of a study aimed at the development of a framework for mobile learning implementation. Darrell (2012) and Jari Laru, Naykki & Jarvela, (2015) observed the absence of theoretical procedures, which could assist in the implementation of m-learning. Meyer (2016) conceded that the absence of a framework for mobile learning implementation may be slowing its adoption within the post-school settings.