Mobile Phone Usage in Higher Education Among Pre-Service Teachers in Nigeria: A Qualitative Study

Technology integration has transformed education globally, making learning more accessible and seamless. Mobile education plays a crucial role in this transformation, relying heavily on mobile technology devices. Among these devices, mobile phones are particularly prevalent among students in higher education institutions worldwide. However, concerns have emerged regarding how students utilize these devices, prompting discussions among educational stakeholders. This study employed a qualitative research design, selecting 40 pre-service teachers through random sampling and conducting interviews to explore their experiences with mobile phone usage in natural contexts. Guided by the Uses and Gratifications Theory, the research addressed five key research questions. The findings indicate that students use mobile phones extensively, engaging actively on six social media platforms, with Facebook and WhatsApp being the most frequently used. Mobile phones are also widely utilized for academic purposes, with the majority of students using them for reading. Notably, the study identified gender differences in mobile phone usage patterns. Challenges associated with mobile phone usage were also highlighted, including a lack of teacher support and limited access to browsing data. The study concludes by offering recommendations to enhance the effective use of mobile phones for learning, including the implementation of policies to regulate and guide their use in educational settings.