Mobile Learning and its Effects on Academic Achievement and Student Motivation in Middle Grades Students.

Abstract

This experimental research investigates the academic achievement and motivation of 104 sixth grade social studies students when incorporating mobile devices into the classroom. Specifically, this study was designed to test the use of mobile devices as a more effective approach to student learning than using paper materials. In addition, the current study specifically examined changes in students’ perceptions of learning, interest in learning and academic motivation when incorporating mobile devices into classroom instruction. The findings show that motivation can be enhanced when incorporating mobile devices. Yet, the current study found no effect of mobile learning on higher academic achievement in this sample. This study sheds light on the importance of mobile devices in the classroom. The findings encourage the use of mobile devices due to their effect on motivation, which may offer an interactive classroom environment where students feel enthusiastic and eager to learn.