Mobile Reference Needs of Undergraduate Social Science Majors: A Comparative Study

Sui Yan Chan; Wing Yan Chan; Hiu Ying Chan; Elaine W. S. Kong

Abstract

Mobile learning has recently attracted significant attention from academia and the public. It attracts universities from around the world due to its ease of use and accessibility. A survey was conducted to collect data from undergraduate students of three social sciences majors: journalism, politics and public administration, and sociology, at a comprehensive university in Hong Kong. Results indicate that respondents are willing to use mobile apps for academic study, searching for information, and accessing learning materials. However, the three student groups showed significant differences in reference needs, reflecting their different focus on reading learning materials to enrich their knowledge and fulfill course requirements. Suggestions were offered to enhance the m-learning system and improve students’ learning experiences. Despite extensive scholarly research on behaviors, perceptions, and benefits of m-learning, scant studies have investigated students’ reference needs for self-learning in the smartphone era, across diverse majors, and in an ever-changing technological landscape. This research offers guidance for mobile app development professionals and educators in understanding the key factors influencing students’ intentions to use m-learning.

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