These four studies, in the International Journal of Cyber Behavior, Psychology and Learning, were among the first to test an emerging model for mobile learning. Students in two introductory journalism courses, open to all majors, used either a tablet (iPad2) or a smaller smartphone or iPod to complete assignments.
Goals included assessment of the value of rehearsed production of mobile content, graded field assignments, and performance on a mobile quiz with or without optional course-related text messages prior to the quiz. Results indicated consistent support for the value of rehearsing mobile skills and statistically significant higher quiz scores for those receiving guiding text messages. A post semester survey administered to 11 blended courses using or not using mobile devices (N = 459) revealed significantly higher ratings from mobile users for perceived course efficiency, access to course content, intention to take future blended courses, and overall satisfaction.