Adults' Use of Mobile Learning Environments While Enrolled in General Educational Development Classes
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2020 Adults' Use of Mobile Learning Environments While Enrolled in General Educational Development Classes Tia Wilkinson Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Instructional Media Design Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Education This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Tia Wilkinson has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Michael Marrapodi, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty Dr. Debra Tyrrell, Committee Member, Education Faculty Dr. Paula Dawidowicz, University Reviewer, Education Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2020 Abstract Adults’ Use of Mobile Learning Environments While Enrolled in General Educational Development Classes by Tia Wilkinson MLD, Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College, 2013 BS, Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College, 2008 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Education Walden University February 2020 Abstract Mobile learning environments (MLEs) offer ubiquitous learning opportunities for adults in General Educational Development (GED) programs. However, MLEs have not been integrated into most adult GED programs; therefore, little is known about the experiences of adult learners who use MLEs as part of their education. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore how adult learners described making connections within MLEs, how they perceived learning with MLEs, and how they expanded their use of MLEs. The principles of connectivism provided the conceptual framework for the study. Participants were 11 adult learners in GED programs in a Southern urban area of the United States. Data sources were semistructured interviews and observations of learners using MLEs in their classrooms. Data were coded using open, axial, and selective coding with LaPelle’s analysis plan. Results indicated that students moved from using MLEs as communication devices to experiencing them as necessary learning tools. Findings also indicated that students experienced MLEs in positive ways when educational applications on the MLEs met their learning needs. Findings may be used to inform GED administrators about learner perceptions of mobile educational content that can be acquired at little to no cost to benefit adult learners using MLEs. Adults’ Use of Mobile Learning Environments While Enrolled in General Educational Development Classes by Tia Wilkinson MLD, Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College, 2013 BS, Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College, 2008 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Education Walden University February 2020 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to three women who made it clear to me the value of education and my responsibility to teach and mentor others. They are Margaret Partain, Mae Luster Stephens, and Kathryn Temple. I hold these women and the examples they set for me in ethics, excellence, and perseverance in the highest esteem. Acknowledgments I would like to acknowledge the overwhelming encouragement and support of my children during my doctoral studies. They are Hobson Wilkinson, Kimberly Garcia, Evan Wilkinson, Ian Wilkinson, and Benjamin Wilkinson. I would also like to acknowledge my sister, Amy Holland, who cheers me on in my endeavors. She keeps me motivated and strong. My mother, Margaret Partain, was the first person in our family to receive a college degree; she holds a Master of Education. Finally, I would like to mention Dr. Michael Marrapodi. He is always knowledgeable, positive, and motivating. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v List of Figures .................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Background ....................................................................................................................5 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................7 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................8 Research Questions ........................................................................................................8 Conceptual Framework ..................................................................................................9 Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................10 Definitions....................................................................................................................11 Assumptions .................................................................................................................13 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................13 Limitations ...................................................................................................................14 Significance..................................................................................................................15 Summary ......................................................................................................................16 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................18 Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................19 Conceptual Foundation ................................................................................................21 Adults in General Educational Development Classes .................................................26 Mobile Learning Environments ...................................................................................34 Smartphones as Mobile Learning Environments .........................................................42 i Mobile Applications.....................................................................................................47 Basic Qualitative Study................................................................................................52 Summary ......................................................................................................................54 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................57 Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................57 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................60 Methodology ................................................................................................................61 Participant Selection Logic ................................................................................... 61 Instrumentation ..................................................................................................... 64 Researcher-Developed Instruments ...................................................................... 64 Procedures for Recruitment, Participation, and Data Collection .................................67 Data Analysis Plan .......................................................................................................70 Issues of Trustworthiness .............................................................................................73 Credibility ............................................................................................................. 73 Transferability ....................................................................................................... 74 Dependability ........................................................................................................ 75 Confirmability ....................................................................................................... 75 Ethical Procedures ................................................................................................ 76 Summary ......................................................................................................................77 Chapter 4: Results ..............................................................................................................79 Setting ..........................................................................................................................80 Demographics ..............................................................................................................80 ii Data Collection ............................................................................................................81