Teachers’ attitudes, competencies, and readiness to adopt mobile learning approaches

Abstract

This study explores how teachers' attitudes and competencies influence their willingness to adopt mobile learning approaches. By mobile learning we mean teaching approaches that use mobile devices to enliven and extend traditional teaching. Of particular interest is exploring how first-order (e.g. lack of adequate access, time, training and support) and secondorder (e.g. teacher's pedagogical and technological beliefs and willingness to change) barriers affect teachers' beliefs and attitudes. In the autumn of 2012, we conducted three mobile learning case studies in Central Finland. We used semistructured interviews to collect data. The study indicated that positive experiences raised teachers’ willingness to use the mobile technologies again. Observations also highlighted the need for adequate support (i.e. technological and pedagogical support), and teachers' professional development. In particular, the teachers should have the confidence to embrace mobile technology in their teaching practices. Lack of confidence heightened other barriers and reduced the willingness to adopt mobile learning approaches.