Journal of Research in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education

Mobile Communication as a Platform for Learning Science from Peers: Possibilities in Bangladesh

Shamnaz Arifin Mim 1 * ,
Munmun Ahmed Chowdhury 1
1 BRAC University* Corresponding Author
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Journal of Research in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2018, pp. 267-282
OPEN ACCESS VIEWS: 1017 DOWNLOADS: 386 Publication date: 15 Sep 2018
ABSTRACT
Wireless and mobile technologies have become an inseparable part in our daily life and we are being depended on their related services which have added new dimensions in our way of thinking. Numerous applications for mobile technologies make m-learning flexible and convenience to the learner and now it becomes easy to interact and communicate for the learners. This study offers to analyze the possibilities of creating 9 and 10 graders' learning communities through mobile communication which would also emphasize to promote free tutoring. The concepts of Mobile learning and positive peer influence are the main analytical tools to answer the research questions. This study followed a qualitative approach to emphasize on young students’ voice regarding the effect and possibilities of using mobile in understanding science and anchored within Social constructivism theory. Fifteen students from seven different schools of Dhaka city and parents were selected using convenience sampling technique to conduct interview and focus group discussion respectively. Three educationists from different mobile and software companies were chosen purposively to conduct semi-structured interviews. The study revealed peer support as an important aspect in understanding science contents. The effectiveness of mobile communication among peers in learning science contents has discovered in a way that it not only helps both students and parents in getting more time from daily routine but also bears the potentiality in reducing extra unwanted monthly expenses. The complex relation in terms of Youth-Technology-Culture revealed as an important aspect to be addressed and considered while introducing and implementing the interventions of m-learning for 9 and 10 graders.
KEYWORDS
Mobile communication, M-learning, Science learning, Peer influence, Secondary education
CITATION (APA)
Mim, S. A., & Chowdhury, M. A. (2018). Mobile Communication as a Platform for Learning Science from Peers: Possibilities in Bangladesh. Journal of Research in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 1(3), 267-282. https://doi.org/10.31756/jrsmte.132
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