Perception of Students toward Using Tablet Computers/Smartphones in Education: The Case of Eastern Mediterranean University

The very first time when mobile technologies were attempted to be used in education goes back to mid- 1990s. Like any other ICT device, tablet mobile devices have their own advantages and disadvantages which may either create or eliminate some limitations possibly arising due to environmental factors or teachers’/students’ readiness. In this study, an investigation of findings about the advantages of m-learning is carried out. At first, the recognition to which devices, (tablet computers/smart phones) are for using in curriculum context, then the technologies which can be used as a tool, the advantages of each tool, different ideas regarding their usage for educational purposes and finally, the key factors which have impact on higher education to use mobile devices in m-learning were examined. Students’ perception of using mobile tablet devices for educational purposes and the freedom of entering the classroom with mobile tablets were discussed. In addition, its effect on students’ learning, differences between male and female students were detailed, attitude toward using mobile tablets in their daily life and the effect of owning mobile tablets in education in contrast to other mobile devices were also discussed. Moreover, some recommendations on utilizing what kind of technology and how to use mobile tablets as an educational tool were offered. Keywords: Learning, M-Education, mobile devices, m-Learning in education, Mobile tablets.