The results of the study are indispensable in furthering the mission of creating a successful learning atmosphere for mobile learners. Individuals in today’s online learning environment have diverse learning abilities and learner-centered courseware is critical in student being provided with multiple opportunities for learning success (Moore, 2011; Sloan-C, 2012). As demonstrated in our research, approximately 65 percent of learners used the App on a Smartphone device in a variety of settings such as “waiting.” The data provided in the study is invaluable as user’s feedback is paramount in identifying future ramifications to improve the functionality and reliability of delivery methods (Moore, 2011; Sloan-C, 2012).   

 

ACCESS

Student Data:

What type of device do you use when accessing the Blackboard Learn Mobile App?
Smartphone (e.g. Droid or I-Phone) *	65.33%*
I-Pad (or similar system)	16.67%
Other Devices	18.00%

Where do you use the Blackboard Learn Mobile App most often to aid in your coursework?
Home	23.49%
Work	20.81%
Commuting	18.79%
Waiting (such as for practice to end, in line at the deli, etc.)	28.86%
Other	8.05%

Further investigation into accessibility should be explored based on feedback by students stated below:

FACULTY SATISFACTION:

In our study, we further explored faculty satisfaction with the Blackboard Learn Mobile App in terms of teaching success online. Faculty members who are satisfied, happy, and engaged in the App are more likely to indirectly promote student satisfaction due to enhanced engagement with course materials, etc. (2012; N=53) (Allen & Seaman, 2010). Faculty reported that while the App is helpful, improvements could be warranted as increasing the benefits of online teaching is crucial to the learning process (Swan, 2004).

Faculty Data:

How helpful is the Blackboard Learn Mobile App in your teaching?
Extremely helpful	16.00%
Helpful	36.00%
Neutral	32.00%
Unhelpful	12.00%

In our research, faculty provided valuable feedback in regard to the use of the App and how it relates to appreciation and usefulness. Reports suggest that while the App is helpful, there are issues which could be addressed to increase satisfaction. For example, one faculty reported:

“The application is slow and when using my iPad the format when going into the discussions are small view. Yes they are ok but not taking advantage of the full screen. Plus how each unit is formatted is the not the same within the computer. The view going into each unit is not great as well and at times confusing to see because how things transition from the blackboard to the mobile blackboard app format. Plus it crashes a lot and is slow when trying to reply and read comments on the discussion boards.”

LEARNING EFFECTIVENESS:

The undertaking of this research study was to further investigate learning effectiveness via the Blackboard Learn Mobile App. As the researchers strive to provide students and faculty with the highest level of industry and institutional standards, exploring the interface between users and the App are of the upmost importance in keeping with the Five Pillars of Quality (Sloan-C, 2009). Even while rated “helpful” by students and faculty, the identified problems in terms of vicarious interaction via the App should be reevaluated for adaptation based on user feedback (Moore, 2011). Our study suggests that there is an opportunity to create and implement a mobile learning atmosphere that will be more conducive to both student and faculty satisfaction according to the Five Pillars of Quality (Sloan-C, 2009). In summary, users reported that while the App is helpful, there are issues which could be addressed to increase satisfaction such as what is reported below:

“It is horrible. You can access a course, but cannot respond to posts in the Discussion Board... It's practically useless.”

“Right now the experience is just 'ok'. I would love to use it much more and it would benefit me greatly. If you can sync the discussion board so the messages read on the app show being read on the PC, I would use it every day. Also, why do I have to select the school every time I open the app on my BlackBerry? We should be able to save our school.”

“I think I use it quite a bit. But it's not designed to do some tasks, like long posts or papers. emails and quick responses as well as watching videos is good.”

“It's slow and crashes and as well it doesn't format the information correctly for one to easily see and a lot of the video and activities are not able to be view and completed via the iPad or iPhone.”

SCALE:

This study is critical in sharing key evidence which will promote retention of both students and faculty as universities seek to achieve and maintain enrollment. The research supported that while in general both faculty and students view the App as helpful, improvements can be made which could contribute to retention and improve overall academic success and engagement in the online learning atmosphere. In terms of feedback, a student stated: /“I am a busy mom and I like to use the app while waiting to pick up children, standing in line at the store, or if I have a few down minutes I can post to class discussion without having to be tied down at home on the computer.”

STUDENT SATISFACTION:

One of the most important aspects of the research study is examining student satisfaction with mobile learning apps (2012; N=219). Evaluating student online learning experiences are of the upmost importance as the number of online degree programs continues to climb and a virtual learning environment is becoming more widely utilized. The data below demonstrated that students report that the App is “helpful” and to have used the program primarily fewer than 30 minutes in each session. Students also reported that they use the App fewer than 30 minutes each week which can be reflective of the student interest in using the program but also could explain many of the reported issues of dissatisfaction with the present format and usability issues.

Student data:

How helpful is the Blackboard Learn Mobile App in your education?
Extremely helpful	31.08%
Helpful	37.84%
Neutral	22.30%
Unhelpful	6.76%
Extremely unhelpful	2.03%

 

When you use the Blackboard Learn Mobile App, how long do you use it each time?
0-30 minutes	67.57%
31-60 minutes	20.95%
61-90 minutes	5.41%
More than 90 minutes	6.08%

When you use the Blackboard Learn Mobile App, how long do you use it each time?
0-30 minutes	67.57%
31-60 minutes	20.95%
61-90 minutes	5.41%
More than 90 minutes	6.08%

Individuals provided valuable feedback in regard to the use of the App in terms of student satisfaction. Improving basic design and usability features in addition to other aspects shared below could also improve overall satisfaction. Students stated: