Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Investigating Mobile Learning in Higher Education in Lao PDR and Cambodia

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Mobile Learning in Higher Education in the Asia-Pacific Region

Part of the book series: Education in the Asia-Pacific Region: Issues, Concerns and Prospects ((EDAP,volume 40))

Abstract

Mobile learning technologies have the potential to change higher education teaching, participation and learning now and in the future. This chapter investigates contributing factors and how these are positioned and considered within higher education in Lao PDR and Cambodian universities. It investigates the cases of two university-based agriculture courses. In particular, it explores the issues under consideration by educators as they develop degree programmes that enhance flexibility and learning outcomes through the incorporation of mobile technologies. Literacies, access, barriers and participation associated with adopting mobile learning technologies in higher education in these two countries are explored from the perspectives of the student and the lecturer. The chapter considers the functional aspects of mobile learning relevant to participation and learning including dissemination and access to information and communications, enabling person-to-person connections in education and connecting and intersecting learning content with the situated contexts of the learner. Access issues and barriers to the use of the technology within programmes are considered. Key insights associated with mobile learning adoption within these universities are highlighted at each of pedagogical, technical and organisational levels.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alrasheedi, M., & Capretz, L. F. (2013). A meta-analysis of critical success factors affecting mobile learning. Proceedings of IEEE International Conference on Teaching, Assessment and Learning for Engineering. Bali, Indonesia, (pp. 262–267). IEEE.

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Zahrani, H., & Laxman, K. (2014). Factors that enhance or hinder acceptance and use of mobile devices for learning: A meta-analysis of 60 studies on mobile learning. Computer, 2(4), 39–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baggaley, J., & Belawati, T. (Eds.). (2007). Distance education technology in Asia. Lahore: Virtual University of Pakistan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandalaria, M. (2005). Education for all through the mobile phone: The University of the Philippines Open University experience. Paper presented at the 19th AAOU Annual Conference, Jakarta, Indonesia, September 15–17. Retrieved from http://asiapacific-odl.oum.edu.my/C48/F301.pdf

  • Brown, T. (2003, June). The role of m-learning in the future of e-learning in Africa. Paper presented at 21st ICDE World Conference. Retrieved from http://www.tml.tkk.fi/Opinnot (Vol. 110).

  • BuddeComm (2015, October 8). Mobile market in Laos still struggling to find direction [Executive Summary, Web report]. Retrieved from https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Laos-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Historical

  • Butoi, A., Tomai, N., & Mocean, L. (2013). Cloud-based mobile learning. Informática Economicâ, 17(2), 27–40. Retrieved from http://revistaie.ase.ro/content/66/03%20-%20Butoi,%20Tomai,%20Mocean.pdf.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crompton, H. (2013). A historical overview of mobile learning: Toward learner-centred education. In Z. Berge & L. Muilenburg (Eds.), Handbook of mobile learning (pp. 3–14). New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dholakia, R. R., & Dholakia, N. (2004). Mobility and markets: Emerging outlines of m-commerce. Journal of Business Research, 57(12), 1391–1396.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Farley, H., & Song, H. (2015). Mobile learning in Southeast Asia: Opportunities and challenges. In Y. Zhang (Ed.), Handbook of mobile teaching and learning (pp. 403–419). Berlin: Springer Verlag.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Farley, H., Murphy, A., Todd, N., Lane, M., Hageez-Baig, A., Midgley, W., & Johnson, C. (2015). Moving towards the effective evaluation of mobile learning initiatives in higher education institutions. In Y. Zhang (Ed.), Handbook of mobile teaching and learning (pp. 721–740). Berlin: Springer Verlag.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Gikas, J., & Grant, M. M. (2013). Mobile computing devices in higher education: Student perspectives on learning with cellphones, smartphones & social media. The Internet and Higher Education, 19, 18–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grant, M. M., & Hsu, Y.-C. (2014). Making personal and professional learning mobile: Blending mobile devices, social media, social networks, and mobile apps to support PLEs, PLNs, & ProLNs. In A. V. Stavros (Ed.), Advances in communications and media research, Volume 10 (pp. 27–46). New York: Nova Science Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haag, J., & Berking, P. (2015). Design considerations for mobile learning. In Y. Zhang (Ed.), Handbook of mobile teaching and learning (pp. 41–60). Berlin: Springer Verlag.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Internet World Statistics. (2015). Usage and population statistics, [Web based data]. Retrieved October, 7, 2015 from www.internetworldstats.com

  • Kennedy, G., Judd, T., Dalgarno, B., & Waycott, J. (2010). Beyond natives and immigrants: Exploring the characteristics of net generation students. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 26, 332–343.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kirkwood, A. (1998). New media mania: Can information and communication technologies enhance the quality of open and distance learning? Distance Education, 19(2), 228–241.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koole, M. L. (2009). A model for framing mobile learning. Mobile Learning: Transforming the Delivery of Education and Training, 1(2), 25–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kukulska-Hulme, A., & Traxler, J. (2005). Mobile teaching and learning. In A. Kukulska-Hulme & J. Traxler (Eds.), Mobile learning: A handbook for educators and trainers (pp. 25–44). London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kukulska-Hulme, A., Traxler, J., & Pettit, J. (2007). Designed and user-generated activity in the mobile age. Journal of Learning Design, 2(1), 52–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Land, S. M., & Zimmerman, H. T. (2015). Socio-technical dimensions of an outdoor mobile learning environment: A three-phase design-based research investigation. Educational Technology Research and Development, 63(2), 229–255.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liaw, S. S., Hatala, M., & Huang, H. M. (2010). Investigating acceptance toward mobile learning to assist individual knowledge management: Based on activity theory approach. Computers & Education, 54(2), 446–454. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2009.08.029.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Motlik, S. (2008). Mobile learning in developing nations. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 9(2), 1–7. Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/564/1071.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, A. & Farley, H. (2012). Development of a framework for evaluating the impact and sustainability of mobile learning initiatives in higher education. In Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE). Proceedings ASCILITE 2012: 29th Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education: Future Challenges, Sustainable Futures. Wellington: Massey University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pandey, K., & Singh, N. (2015). Mobile learning: Critical pedagogy to education for all. In Y. Zhang (Ed.), Handbook of mobile teaching and learning (pp. 107–132). Berlin: Springer Verlag.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Parsons, D., Ryu, H., & Cranshaw, M. (2007). A design requirements framework for mobile learning environments. Journal of Computers, 2(4), 1–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Petrakieva, L. (2015). Mobile technologies and learning: Expectations myths and reality. In Y. Zhang (Ed.), Handbook of mobile teaching and learning (pp. 973–982). Berlin: Springer Verlag.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Pimmer, C., & Pachler, N. (2014). Mobile learning in the workplace: Unlocking the value of mobile technology for work-based education. In M. Ally & A.Tsinakos (Eds) Increasing access through mobile learning (pp. 193–204). Vancouver Commonwealth of Learning and Athabasca University. Retrieved from http://www.christoph.pimmer.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/Pimmer-Pachler-Mobile-Learning-in-the-Workplace1.pdf

  • Sharples, M., Taylor, J., & Vavoula, G. (2005). Towards a theory of mobile learning. Proceedings of mLearn 2005, 1(1), 1–9. Retrieved from http://www.mlearn.org/mlearn2005/CD/papers/Sharples-%20Theory%20of%20Mobile.pdf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skillsoft. (2015). The state of mobile learning – Asia Pacific insights 2015. Retrieved December, 5 2015 from http://www.slideshare.net/skillsoft/the-state-of-mobile-learning-asia-pacific-insights-2015.

  • So, H. J. (2012). Turning on mobile learning in Asia: Illustrative initiatives and policy implications, UNESCO Working Series on Mobile Learning. Paris: UNESCO. Retrieved from, http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002162/216283E.pdf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Traxler, J. (2007). Defining, discussing and evaluating mobile learning. The moving finger writes and having writ. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 8(2), 1–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Trinder, J. (2005). Mobile technologies and systems. In A. Kukulska-Hulme & J. Traxler (Eds.), Mobile learning: A handbook for educators and trainers (pp. 7–24). London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turbill, J. (2001). A face-to-face graduate class goes online: Challenges and successes. Reading Online, 5(1). Retrieved from http://www.readingonline.org/international/inter_index.asp?HREF=turbill1/index.htm

  • Turbill, J. (2015). Transformation of traditional face-to-face teaching to mobile teaching and learning: Pedagogical perspectives. In Y. Zhang (Ed.), Handbook of mobile teaching and learning (pp. 221–233). Berlin: Springer Verlag.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • UNESCO Institute for Statistics, United Nations Economic, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. (2014). Lao PDR and Cambodian country profiles. Retrieved May 6, 2016 from www.uis.unesco.org

  • United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). (2011). Statistical yearbook for Asia and the Pacific. (UNESCAP Report). Bangkok. Retrieved from http://www.unescap.org/stat/data/syb2011/

  • Valk, J. H., Rashid, A. T., & Elder, L. (2010). Using mobile phones to improve educational outcomes: An analysis of evidence from Asia. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 11(1), 117–140.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • World Bank. (2011). On social media, East Asian youth echo shortcomings of higher education. Retrieved December 20, 2015 from http://go.worldbank.org/ZN2R58SH90

  • World Bank. (2012a). Putting higher education to work: Skills and research for growth in East Asia (World Bank East Asia and Pacific Regional Report). Retrieved October 8, 2015 from http://go.worldbank.org/JTFOQZP670

  • World Bank. (2012b). STEP skills measurement household survey (Wave 1). Retrieved December, 20, 2015 from http://microdata.worldbank.org/index.php/catalog/2016/datafile/F2

  • World Bank. (2016). Mobile cellular subscriptions (per 100 people) and internet users (per 100 people). Retrieved May 6 2016 from data.worldbank.org

  • Zhang, Y. (2015). Student feedback in mobile teaching and learning. In Y. Zhang (Ed.), Handbook of mobile teaching and learning (pp. 769–786). Berlin: Springer Verlag.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia

    Ann Starasts

  2. National University of Laos, Vientiane, Laos

    Maiyer Xiong

  3. Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia

    Tyneth Ly

Authors
  1. Ann Starasts
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Maiyer Xiong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Tyneth Ly
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ann Starasts .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

    Angela Murphy

  2. University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

    Helen Farley

  3. University of Technology Sydney, Kirribilli, New South Wales, Australia

    Laurel Evelyn Dyson

  4. University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

    Hazel Jones

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Starasts, A., Xiong, M., Ly, T. (2017). Investigating Mobile Learning in Higher Education in Lao PDR and Cambodia. In: Murphy, A., Farley, H., Dyson, L., Jones, H. (eds) Mobile Learning in Higher Education in the Asia-Pacific Region. Education in the Asia-Pacific Region: Issues, Concerns and Prospects, vol 40. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-4944-6_8

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-4944-6_8

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-10-4943-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-10-4944-6

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation