An assessment of Innovative Use of Smart Devices by University Staff and Students: A Literature Review

Abstract

Rapid technological convergence has led to the emergence of smartphones—feature-rich phones that combine the voice and text messaging functions of basic phones with powerful computing technology that can support applications, sensing, Internet access, and wireless connectivity with other devices. The emergence of smart mobile devices has revolutionized the way we connect, communicate, and interact with people, as well as the way we share information and knowledge. The objectives of the study were to establish the type of smart devices used by learners in universities, to find out benefits of using smart devices by learners in universities, to determine the negative effects of using smart devices by learners in universities. Literature was reviewed on type of smart devices used by learners in universities, benefits of using the smart devices and the negative effects of using smart. The study was mainly based on review of literature. A combination of search terms and/or key words were used to gather relevant data concerning smartphone use in universities. The common types of smart devices used in learning are smartphones, tablets, laptops palm tops and e‐readers. Smartphones are used for real time communication, teaching and learning, connecting to the internet, storage of information, taking abstract photographs of notes as well as sharing the captured data or information. Smart devices have also been used for Arabic Braille Recognition and transcription for the visually impaired. However, some students in universities, globally, spent a lot of time on social sites, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Academia, and MySpace networking instead of concentrating fully on studies The study was mainly based on review of literature. A combination of search terms and/or key words were used to gather relevant data concerning smartphone use in universities.