Improving critical thinking skills in mobile learning

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of mobile learning over the critical thinking skills. The volunteer sample in this experimental study consisted of 41 undergraduates enrolled in computer education classes at the Near East University in North Cyprus. The students' critical thinking disposition was measured by California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory Scale (CCTDI). Also, the usefulness of mobile learning systems (UMLS), a questionnaire adapted by Motiwalla (2007), was used to collect data. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis techniques; arithmetic mean and standard deviation. Overall, students' attitudes toward the usefulness of a mobile learning system improved significantly at the end of the experimental study. It was found that after the study the students' creativity improved significantly. Furthermore, researchers found that outdoor experiences influenced students' attitudes positively. Additionally, results indicate that in this study, working collaboratively and sharing information were built into a group activity. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved