Change in the Learning Habits of Higher Education Students in Oman with Increasing Ubiquity of Technologies such as Wireless Networking and Mobile Devices

Balliammanda Changappa, Kishori and Passey, Professor Don (2024) Change in the Learning Habits of Higher Education Students in Oman with Increasing Ubiquity of Technologies such as Wireless Networking and Mobile Devices. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

This research study investigates a student-centred constructivist model to limit the role of a physical teacher and help students to learn online. The study was conducted to ascertain how Omani students and teaching staff have adapted and related over a period of two years to technologically-driven pedagogical changes to leverage maximisation of the benefits of online learning, facilitated by the inclusion of technological systems for teachers and students alike. This study is designed to facilitate pedagogical change via the input of technology within the learning environment as a means to provide a more efficient and flexible way to deliver learning to Omani students. Essentially, this study looks at whether it is possible to move away from a teacher-centred philosophy to a mindset that embraces a joint teacher/student-centred initiative. The quantitative and qualitative forms of data were processed via a two-pronged qualitative thematic analysis to evaluate and understand participants’ responses. Additionally, quantitative statistical analysis using a 5-point Likert scale of 63 structured questionnaire responses was used to inform the study outcomes. The data analysis used the repeated measures analysis of variances (ANOVA) and post-hoc evaluations to ascertain the difference between teachers’ and students’ perceptions over two periods to ensure that an assumption of sphericity was addressed within the distribution of data for the repeated measures ANOVA tests. The findings indicate that the views of interviewed stakeholders showed progressive adaptation to pedagogical changes by both students and staff and offer a contribution to existing studies through valid solutions to address both teacher and student areas of concern in Oman. The findings of this study can be used to benefit the Omani education system and future researchers. Finally, the findings are made available to all members of the Omani society for beneficial action and to further improve the outlook for both teachers and students in Oman.