Teaching and Learning with Smartphone: Qualitative Explorative Study from Pakistan

Abstract

[EN] This paper investigates the perceptions of teachers and students about using smartphone for teaching and learning practices in private sector universities of Islamabad through cross-sectional based qualitative explorative study. Focus group interviews were conducted from teachers and students through self-selection sampling technique. Current study is guided by Grounded Theory for which semi-structured questionnaire was adopted and modified. The results suggested two categories of teachers, Realistic and Idealistic. Realist teachers believe that they have to follow and act according to principles of reality that prevailes on ground. Idealist teachers believe that their job is to enlarge the intellectual capacity of students with focus on cognitive development rather vocational training. To sum up, integration of modern technologies like smartphone in higher education stimulates to adopt creative and innovative ways for teaching and learning practices because of its bilateral, media-rich and knowledge sharing nature thus necessary for gaining competitive advantage. Few restrictions were faced by researchers. The study is limited to city of Islamabad only. A practical implication of this study along with few recommendations for future research is also given. Keywords:Teaching; learning; smartphone; perceptions; private universities.