Use of Mobile Devices in the Classroom to Increase Motivation and Participation of Engineering University Students

TL;DR

This study investigates how integrating mobile devices like Socrative into classroom activities can significantly boost student participation and motivation among engineering students.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence that using mobile devices in theory classes enhances student participation and engagement.

Findings

Student participation increased with mobile device use

Students are willing to share results and participate more

Mobile devices positively impact classroom motivation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to see whether student participation increased when mobile devices were used in the classroom. We measured the amount of student participative actions when the Socrative tool was used and when it was not used. Our experiment involved a total of 192 students, corresponding to 4 different subjects of Computer Engineering at the Universitat de les Illes Balears, during 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 courses. An independent paired t-test was performed on the measurements. The analysis results show that student participation increases with the use of mobile devices for theory classes and students are willing to participate in class activities and share their own results.