Checking on Preferential Choices of E-learning & M-learning: A Case Study of Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The development of new E-learning technologies and the arrival of mobile learning systems have brought greater impact on the education sector especially towards higher education learning system. There is no doubt that it is extremely useful for all those individuals lacking sufficient time for their studies. They can use such electronic forms of learning to enjoy the anytime & anywhere learning environment. It has attracted the attention of big software industry owners as well as mobile technology based companies over the period. M-learning is able to provide the learners with learning opportunities with greater capabilities through the use of mobile phones or smart-phones. Northern Border University (NBU) in Saudi Arabia is already using several online and offline automated software’s & Blackboard LMSs in its various Deanships, Colleges and Departments for student’s self-learning purposes. This case study aims to assess the behavioral differences of students/faculty members using E-learning (Mobile Apps/ Web applications) to learn/teach the respective subjects. It discusses about the perceptions of students/faculty members about M-learning & E-learning including the modes and their maximum uses of certain mobile App/Web Application whether offline or online. There are five criteria and for each criterion questionnaires are designed to take the opinions from different groups. Likert scale method is used here. Statistical testing method T-Test is used here to calculate the results among the groups.