Third arm, gateway drug, or just a toy? Inductively driven mixed methods study on the use of mobile learning technologies in higher education

This qualitatively driven mixed methods study of doctoral student explored attitudes and beliefs regarding the use of mobile technology and their learning experiences informed how mobile learning affected engagement, and whether these tools play a role in educators' motivation to implement technology in their current and future practice. The purpose of the study was to determine the role of using iPod Touchs in a doctoral level qualitative research methods class on students' learning experiences, and their beliefs and attitudes towards using iPod Touchs for coursework. Moreover, this study explored the relationship between using iPod Touchs and the students' intention to incorporate technology practices into their current and future learning and professional environments.;The data indicated that participants' comfort level with technology and content knowledge and pedagogy affected their motivations and attitudes toward use of mobile technology. For the majority of the participants, the effects of using the iPod Touch in a doctoral level qualitative methods class were exceptionally positive, though for a few the attitudes reflected were negative. Importantly, the data indicated that the level in which participants took part in collaboration and sharing with others effected engagement and attitudes toward adoption of mobile technologies for learning.