Can Mobile Devices Be Used as an Active Learning Strategy? Student Perceptions of Mobile Device Use in a Nursing Course.

BACKGROUND: It can be challenging to engage prelicensure nursing students in theoretical, nonclinical courses.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe students' experiences with various teaching strategies and describe student perceptions of engagement and learning using a mobile device.

METHODS: The study had a mixed-methods design, which included an online survey and oral interviews to elicit student perceptions of engagement and learning using a mobile device.

RESULTS: Students, on average, reported high levels of perceived learning and moderate levels of perceived engagement. Analysis of the qualitative transcripts revealed 2 major themes clustered around learner practices and instructor/course practices.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, students reported that using the mobile devices was a positive experience. Students benefited from thoughtful, intentional mobile device use that engaged them with course ideas, limited off-task distractions, and improved collaborative experiences with peers and the instructor.