The readiness of FTMSK students towards the implementation of mobile learning in learning C++ programming language / Khairu Faradilla Mohd Zaini

Mobile devices are gaining popularity among youngsters nowadays. Emerging mobile
devices provide opportunities for new kinds of support for teaching and learning but also
pose challenges. In FTMSK, there is lack of studies to investigate the readiness of the
students towards the implementation of mobile learning in C++ progranmiing language.
The research on educational potential of mobile devices also is lacking in FTMSK.
Therefore, this paper primarily aims to determine the readiness of FTMSK students
towards the implementation of mobile learning in learning C++ programming language,
as well as to identify the advantages and disadvantages of mobile devices for educational
purposes. The methodology that has been used to achieve the objectives of the project
are through survey questionnaires and from the literature reviews. Data that has been
collected and analysed showed that most of the respondents are ready to implement
mobile learning in learning C++ programming language since majority of them like to
learn using technology (85 %), interested to know more about mobile learning (75%)
and agree if mobile learning is implemented in learning C++ programming language (90
%) . 80 % of the respondents agree with the following advantages and disadvantages of
mobile devices for educational purposes. The advantages are ; learners can interact with
each other and with the practitioner instead of hiding behind large monitors, It is much
easier to accommodate several mobile devices in a classroom than several desktop
computers, PDAs or tablets holding notes and e-books are lighter and less bulky than
bags fiill of files, paper and textbook, or even laptops, handwriting with the stylus pen is
more intuitive than using keyboard and mouse, it is possible to share assignments and
work collaboratively, mobile devices can be used anywhere, anytime including at home,
on the train and in hotels, can take notes directly into the device during outdoor lessons
or on field trips, can draw diagrams, maps, sketches directly onto a tablet using standard
software, stylus pens are much more natural for web browsing, and lastly can increases
motivation and personal commitment to learn if a student can "own" a device to encourages responsibility. The disadvantages of mobile devices for educational
purposes are; small screens limit the amoimt and type of information that can be
displayed, limited storage capacities, batteries require regular charging, and data can be
lost on some devices if this is not done correctly, lack of common platform, more easily
lost or stolen than desktops, much less robust than desktops, fast-moving market so
devices can become out of date very quickly, security issues when accessing wireless
networks via mobile devices, practitioners may require extra training in order to be able
to use the devices effectively and lastly difficulties with printing, unless connected to a
network.