Strengths and Weaknesses of Using Tablets in Rural University Classrooms: A South African Perspective

Technologies especially tablets are rapidly booming up daily around the world and it reflects in all areas including education. The purpose of this study was to examine the views of stakeholders such as students, lecturers and managers on the strengths and weaknesses of using tablets for learning and teaching at a South African rural university. This research adopted a mixed method study. Although interview data were collected from all stakeholders, survey data were collected only from lecturers. A total of 14 lecturers from a relevant population of 25 voluntarily participated in the survey. However, only 18 students, five lecturers and nine managers were interviewed. Quantitative data were captured manually into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 24). While quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study found the strengths such as gathering information and researching as well as weaknesses such as distractions and social networking during lecture hours. Generally, strengths were greater than the weaknesses and all stakeholders were positive on the use of tablets for learning and teaching in classroom. However, the researchers suggest that training and awareness presentations should be provided to both lecturers and students at the beginning of each academic year to make the use of tablet in classroom more effective.