The opportunities and challenges in using mobile phones as learning tools for Higher Learning Students in the developing countries: Zanzibar context

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the opportunities and challenges of mobile learning among Higher Learning Students (HLS) in developing countries of Zanzibar context. In the current era of advanced technology, mobile learning represents exciting new frontiers in education. It becomes feasible and offers new benefits to students. The study builds on the experiences of students from three higher learning institutions in Zanzibar which were assumed to be representative of others learning institutions in developing world particularly in Africa nations which have similar learning environments. The paper begins by reviewing numerous cases of mobile learning which were conducted in several countries. Data was collected through case studies and questionnaires so as to get the students view points on their experience of mobile learning. It was found that students are aware of mobile technology and they are motivated to use their phones in order to facilitate their learning. The study observed that there are many opportunities for students to adopt mobile learning and that it encourages them to be self-motivated and increases their engagement with learning behaviour. On the other hand, high cost of mobile devices and poor bandwidth within the higher learning institutions are among the mentioned challenges This is the first study conducted in HLS in Zanzibar which with the mentioned of opportunities and challenges posed use by the mobile phones in learning within developing world. The research findings would be of significance in assisting the students in their studies. Consequently educators will help to distribute teaching materials efficiently.