Mobile devices in computer programming lectures: Are CS lecturers prepared for mobile learning?

Mobile learning represents a paradigm shift in the delivery of curricula in higher education. Hand held or mobile devices make use of immediacy, and engage with the problems as they are set. Based partly on students´ interest in technology, universities are adapting to take advantage of these changes, especially in computer-based disciplines. By using mobile devices, computer science students can enhance their learning experience. This study concerns computer science lecturers´ attitudes towards using mobile technology during programming lectures. Interviews were conducted with instructors who teach programming courses to explore their views on integrating these learning tools into the lecture. The research found that the issues raised by the study participants were not fundamental to their acceptance of such technology. However, the lecturers´ positive attitudes towards change were not reflected in their classroom practices. Two findings are discussed: factors affecting educators´ willingness to integrate mobile learning as a delivery system during lectures and factors that influence successful integration of such devices into the learning environment for programming courses. Further, the identified factors were classified into two main themes: personal attitudes and curricular issues. This research argues that instructors´ acceptance of mobile devices as a learning aid during programming lectures underpins adoption.