Problem Faced by Students to Use M-Learning in Higher Education

Abstract

Mobile learning (M-learning) has become an innovative approach in higher education, allowing learners to access educational content flexibly through mobile devices. Despite its potential to enhance accessibility and promote self-paced learning, students encounter several challenges that limit its effective utilization. This study aims to identify and analysed the major problems faced by students while using M-learning in higher education. The key issues include unstable internet connectivity, high data costs, limited availability of modern devices, and lack of digital literacy among learners. Pedagogical challenges such as unstructured course design, incompatible learning applications, and poor technical support further impede the learning experience. In addition, distractions from social media, small screen sizes, and security concerns contribute to reduced engagement and academic performance. The study emphasizes the need for institutional support, affordable digital infrastructure, and improved mobile-based pedagogical design to enhance M-learning effectiveness. Understanding these barriers can help policymakers, educators, and technology developers create inclusive and efficient mobile learning environments. Ultimately, addressing these challenges is essential to ensure that M-learning becomes an equitable, accessible, and sustainable component of higher education in the digital era. The study is precisely analytical in nature. This study is descriptive with an analytical background. It is based on primary and secondary data. The primary data have been collected from Chennai city based on the survey method. A structured questionnaire method has been used to find out the problem faced by students to use M-learning in higher education. The secondary data have been collected from various journals, books, reports, websites, and theses.

 Undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in higher education institutions using or exposed to M-learning technologies. The sample area selected for this study Chennai city. The sample size consists of 120 respondents selected in Chennai city. The selection of sample respondents is based on Stratified random sampling to ensure representation from different faculties or departments. The findings reveal that while mobile learning has significantly transformed the educational landscape by offering flexibility and accessibility, several barriers continue to hinder its effective implementation.