Learner characteristics of m-learning preferences

Now, mobile devices extend learning to any location and time, where students adopt different preferences to learn effectively and efficiently through mobile devices. However, podcasting learning materials to mobile learners involves considerable challenge because of ongoing changes in the behaviour of learners in different contexts. This paper explores mobile learning (m-learning) preferences in tertiary education in order to suggest the best approaches to deliver digital learning materials (podcasts) in different contexts which are physical spaces (e.g. quiet, busy, or walking), and social spaces (e.g. alone, family, or with classmates). A total of 345 students completed a survey study to identify the role of mobile learners’ characteristics (gender, age, material status, nationality: Australians and Saudis, and prior m-learning experience) and their impact on podcast preferences in different physical and social spaces. Based on the survey results, in this paper, we shall present the impact characteristics on m-learning preferences for podcast length and types. We shall also summarise the affected contexts and their causes.