International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2015): 78.96 | Impact Factor (2015): 6.391 Volume 6 Issue 3, March 2017 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY An Assessment of Teachers‟ and Learners‟ Usage Pattern of Mobile Devices towards the Adoption of Mobile Learning in Namibian High Schools: A Case of Erongo Region Jude OSAKWE 1 , Nomusa DLODLO 2 , Nobert JERE 3 Department of Informatics, Namibia University of Science and Technology Abstract: There has been an unprecedented growth in the number of mobile devices in recent years. This spread and prevalence of mobile devices has promoted the popularity of mobile applications. This has instigated the need to understand the usage pattern of mobile devices particularly among high school teachers and learners. This paper reports on the results of a survey of one hundred and twenty (120) high school learners and twenty four (24) high school teachers in the Erongo region of Namibia drawn from three different high schools. This research is conducted in order to find out the usage pattern of mobile devices and to ascertain the possibility of its adoption in Namibian High Schools. This study is expected to establish an understanding of the usage patterns based on its benefit for pedagogy. Keywords: Mobile devices, pedagogy, usage pattern, mobile learning 1. Introduction Technological innovations have expanded the flexibility of mobile technology. Pedagogical activities are now enhanced with the use of technologically enabled devices which educators now use to instruct and communicate to learners. These new technologies include computers, Apple iphones, Andriod phones, tablets, and many other portable devices.It is now a common practice for teachers and learners to use these portable devices for educational purposes [1]. The use of these portable electronic devices to access and share information has not only permeated higher institutions, it has also trickled down to high schools. Its usage is redefining teaching and learning. [2]noted that mobile learning presents teachers and leaners with the exceptional opportunity to access information ubiquitously. Mobile learning devices have also been found to be valuable in the dissemination of information particularly being used as a form of e-library. Students are choosing to purchase and download e-books whileteachers uploadin different forms of files which is used for collaboration with learners [3]. 2. The Usage Pattern of Mobile Devices According to [4] there has been a dramatic increase in the ownership of laptops, cell phones and iPods over the past five years. Studies have revealed it is now very common for young learners to move about with devices which they connect to internet with the intention of playing games and listening to music [4]. Other activities that can be done using these devices include sending messages on social media, commenting on friends pages, sharing pictures, reading news, purchase thing online, download applications, etc[5]. The finding has shown that mobile devices and internet usability is now a common place for teachers and learners. Mobile devices such as Smartphones, tablets, ipods and other mobile devices are used in different forms. They can be used while traveling, at home or at school. Its wide usage has made personal computers to play a second fiddle in pedagogy[6]. [7] noted that there are now innumerable research interests on mobile learning as studies on theories underpinning learning design, factors influencing adoption and how mobile learning can be used for collaboration are ongoing. Also most research interests are focused on readiness, acceptance and engagement of learners towards mobile learning [8], ;[9];[10];[11];[12]. Furthermore, most studies on mobile learning focus on ubiquitous learning over the past few years with some of them basing their research on mobile content and environment [13];[14];[15];[16]. In as much as some studies explore mobile device use among learners [17], few research dealt with teachers‟ and learners‟ usage pattern as it concerns mobile devices. The purpose of this study is to assess how mobile devices are currently being used by high school teachers and learners in order to enhance teaching and learning achievement. 3. Methodology The study adopted descriptive survey design and questionnaires were used to obtain relevant information from respondents to describe the existence conditions and other phenomena. According to [18]information about peoples lifestyles, attitudes, beliefs, behaviours and feeling can be collected through the use of questionnaire. This design was found most appropriate for this study because the study sought information from the respondents relative to their attitudes and behaviour. The survey instrument was modified so as to make the questions suitable to the context of mobile learning and the participating population. For instance the words “mobile learning” replaces the word “system”. The sample of the study is participants from three (3) high schools in Erongo region. A sample of high school teachers and learners was drawn from the 3 schools. The students were selected primarily from grades (11) and twelve (12). Forty (40) learners were randomly drawn from Paper ID: ART20171489 DOI: 10.21275/ART20171489 790