Expectations and fulfillment of course engagement, gained skills, and non-academic usage of college students utilizing tablets in an undergraduate skills course

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to compare the expectations and fulfillment of undergraduate students enrolled in a skills class that utilized iPads in the classroom. Pre- and post-surveys were administered to students at the beginning and end of the semester. A series of t-tests (n = 78) showed the tablet did not meet their expectations in terms of course engagement and benefits/skills they anticipated receiving from class activities and coursework. However, their non-academic use of the iPad, for both entertainment and social media purposes, was higher than they predicted. The qualitative portion of the study resulted in three themes: acceptance of tablet technology, student excitement and engagement, and how teacher preparation and proficiency with the technology affects classroom usage. This study suggests a need for teacher training in application selection and ample in-class device usage.

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