Revisiting the Use of Mobile Devices for Online Learning

The integration of mobile devices into online learning has emerged as a critical strategy for expanding pedagogical practices and enhancing access to higher education, particularly in remote and underserved contexts such as Mozambique. This study aims to examine how mobile devices contribute to widening access to higher education, focusing on the case of Universidade Aberta ISCED. The methodology adopted was a case study, with an exploratory-descriptive orientation and qualitative approach, supported by document analysis, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to capture diverse stakeholder perspectives. The findings demonstrate that mobile devices enable flexible and inclusive learning trajectories, allowing students to balance academic, professional, and personal responsibilities. They also show that mobile learning aligns well with Mozambique’s socioeconomic context, offering cost-effective opportunities for participation in online higher education. However, significant barriers were identified, including gaps in technological infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and insufficient institutional strategies for large-scale implementation. The study concludes that mobile devices are a viable tool for improving equity in higher education but that their effective integration requires coordinated efforts in policy, training, and infrastructure development. These results provide practical insights for higher education institutions and policymakers in Mozambique and other developing countries, supporting the design of scalable and sustainable digital learning ecosystems.