Matthew Andrew|Jennifer Taylorson|Donald John Langille|Aimee Grange|Norman Williams
Student Attitudes towards Technology and Their Preferences for Learning Tools/Devices at Two Universities in the UAE
Khalifa University of Science and Technology|University of St Andrews|Zayed University|University of St Andrews|Khalifa University of Science and Technology|Zayed University|Khalifa University of Science and Technology|University of St Andrews|Zayed University|Zayed University|Zayed University|Khalifa University of Science and Technology|University of St Andrews
aimpurpose purpose study survey student opinions technology order best implement utilize technology classroom paper technology refers digital technology aims study 1 examine student attitudes towards technology regards enjoyment perceived usefulness 2 investigate tools devices students enjoyed preferred use learning 3 examine whether students preferred learning books paper instead technological devices eg laptops tablets smartphones 4 investigate whether student opinions digital technology preferred learning tools differ two universities based level technology implementation two programs foundation studies general studies background previous studies investigated student device choice however fewer studies looked specifically tools devices students choose certain academic tasks preferences may vary according level digital technology integration two different universities methodology study mix quantitative qualitative data gathered 1102 participants across two universities united arab emirates englishlanguage foundation studies program firstyear general studies program questionnaire containing closedended openended questions followed three focusgroup interviews n432 anova ttests used test statistically significant differences survey data qualitative survey interview data analyzed recurring themes contribution study aims provide comprehensive account learning tools including bookspaper laptops tablets phones students prefer use complete specific academic tasks within university context study also seeks evaluate student attitudes towards using digital technology learning order best implement utilize technology context higher education institutions middle east around world findings findings suggest participants enjoy learning use new technology believe improves learning prepares future jobs bookspaper preferred resources learning followed closely laptops tablets smartphones much less preferred specific educational tasks data also revealed respondents preferred learning combination traditional resources eg books paper digital technological tools eg laptops tablets recommendations practitioners findings used recommend educators higher education administrators importance adopting learning outcomes related digital literacy classroom help students become effective learners also skilled professionals working lives additionally classroom practices incorporate traditional tools newer technological tools learning might effective provide flexibility find best learning tools task recommendation researchers participants preferred books paper learning one reason paper helped remember information better research needs done learning benefits using tactile mediums paper reading writing impact society findings study suggest learners may benefit use digital technology others institutions organizations need provide flexibility comes technology implementation students faculty flexibility accommodate different learning styles preferences isolate individuals classroom workplace may slower adapt new technologies future research future research needed investigate student attitudes towards digital technology higher education institutions parts world addition study focused mostly student perceptions learning tools devices classroom research needs done impact technology learning per se specifically certain tools may help learners effectively complete different educational tasks