Improving Higher Education Quality in Jordan using Mobile Technologies

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce the outcomes of a project, which aims at developing an adaptive curriculum in engineering education that is based on digital learning resources for mobile devices. This project comes as a response to the requirements for modernization and accessibility of the Jordanian higher education system to improve the integration of disadvantaged learners in the educational system. Disadvantaged learners include those with special needs or a socioeconomic status that significantly restrict their ability for adequate education. Those include high school students and undergraduate/graduate students at universities. The study investigated methods for effective and sustainable integration of mobile technologies into the educational process. Additionally, an assessment of the most suitable digital content and devices to be used was conducted in order to develop plans, strategies and programs that combine the appropriate methods and techniques of training, particularly for people with special needs. The study of the educational needs to implement the newest mobile technologies was carried out by means of questionnaires and interviews. 

Keywords

• E-learning,Quality of education,Mobile technology,Disadvantaged learners

References

1. Bekteshi, L. (2015). Information and communication technology and students with disabilities. European Scientific Journal, 11(22), 337-347. Frank, J. A., & Kaplia, V. (2014). Development of mobile interfaces to interact with automatic control experiments. IEEE Control System Magazine, 34(5), 78-98. Haiyan, W., & Dongming, H. (2012). Mobile education design and implementation of video teaching material. Proceedings: International Conference on Industrial Control and Electronics Engineering. Xian, China: IEEE. Hakkani-Tur, D., Tur, G., & Heck, L. (2011). Research challenges and opportunities in mobile applications. IEEE Signal Processing Magazine, 28(4), 108-110. Hayhoe, S. (2015). Utilising mobile technologies for students with disabilities. In Jones-Parry, R., (Ed.) Commonwealth education partnerships 2015/16. Commonwealth education partnerships, Nexus Strategic Partnerships, Cambridge, UK. Koole, M. L. (2006). Practical issues in mobile education. Proceedings from WMTE’06: International Workshop on Wireless, Mobile and Ubiquitous Technology in Education. Athens, Greece: IEEE. Lopez, J. P., Cerezo, A., Menedez, J. M., & Ballesteros, J. P. (2015). Usage of mobile devices as collaborative tools for education and preparation of official exams. Proceedings from ISCE: International Symposium on Consumer Electronics. Madrid, Spain: IEEE. Mwandosya, G. I., & Montero, C. S. (2017). Towards a mobile education tool for higher education teachers: a user requirements definition. Proceedings: IEEE AFRICON. Cape Town, South Africa: IEEE. National e-learning strategy for higher education 2007-2010. (2009). In Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Jordan. Retrieved from https://www.uop.edu.jo/download/research/members/Gissa-elearn-jordan.pdf Riek, L. D. (2013). Embodied computation: an active-learning approach to mobile robotics education. IEEE Transactions on Education, 56(1), 67-72. Sung, Y.-T., Chang, K.-E., & Liu, T.-C. (2016). The effects of integrating mobile devices with teaching and learning on students' learning performance: a meta-analysis and research synthesis. Computers & Education, 94, 252-275. Vate-U-Lan, P. (2008). Mobile learning: major challenges for engineering education. Proceedings: The 38th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference. Saratoga Springs, NY, USA: IEEE.