The Use Of Mobile Phones To Enhance Teaching And Learning Processes In Secondary Schools In Tanzania: A Case Of Selected Secondary Schools In Mbarali District – Mbeya

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of mobile phones to enhance teaching and learning processes in secondary schools in Tanzania. The study was guided by the following objectives: investigating learning opportunities that students can benefit from using mobile phones in learning processes, Examine the applicability and the possible problems of using mobile phones as a way to support learning in secondary schools and find out challenges related to the use of mobile phones as a learning tools in secondary schools.

The study employed a descriptive case study design where 113 respondents were involved. The sample included 4 heads of school, 20 teachers, 8 parents, one District Education Officer and 80 students. Simple randomly and purposive sampling was used in the study. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires and documentary reviews. The collected information were analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.

The study revealed that, 73% of respondents agreed that mobile phones can be used to enhance teaching and learning processes. Most students (90%) in secondary schools know and like to use mobile phones. All respondents were aware of learning opportunities that students can benefit from using mobile phones such as search for study materials, develop language skills, increase their vocabulary, acquire computers skills, build self learning mentality and create a base for distance learning. The study has provided some recommendations including policy reform to accommodate mobile phones use in learning processes in secondary schools. There is a need to acknowledge the potentials of mobile phones therefore, integrating this technology in teaching and learning as it is the case for other ICT based technologies.