Cooperative use of mobile computing devices for answering mcpath questions in class to improve information literacy of undergraduates

Abstract

The mCpath or Mobile Computing Learning is an original collaborative learning instruction. The classroom method was based on the mobile devices and mobile services undergraduates use often. Using their mobile devices during class, team members search for answers to path questions. It requires no specialized hardware or software. The research used a quasi-experimental design and developed three survey instruments to measure the effect m-learning instruction had on undergraduates' knowledge of digital literacy and mobile usage. The year-long experiment involved 318 participants taking an introductory computer course, and three sections each term for three terms were assigned as either control, experimental treatment, or hybrid experimental treatment. The Digital Search Literacy Assessment showed that knowledge about critically evaluating internet information did significantly improve for the experimental participants. There was no significant difference between the treatment groups with computer concepts or frequency of use of the mobile media. All showed significant improvement in digital literacy.