USING MOBILE PHONE PLATFORM FOR ENHANCING EDUCATION IN GHANA - EXAMINATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF MOBILE LEARNING IN GHANA (original) (raw)

Learners in deprived areas could be helped by educators in endowed areas to enhance their education. Mobile phones are cheaper to own than computers, and are also already in the hands of many learners hence their use could assist in enhancing their education. The study of requirements for the use of mobile phone platform to enhance education at the JHS and SHS levels in Ghana has been undertaken with the objective of harnessing mobile phone usage power. The research question is: what are the requirements for the use of mobile phones to enhance education at the Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS) levels in Ghana? A case study of GATE/QuizMax of South Africa was used to provide insight into such parameters as 1) learner motivation for mobile learning, 2) mobile phone challenges, 3) content development, 4) system architecture for mobile learning, and 5) the role of education authorities and regulatory challenges. Inference from this study is used to examine requirements for Ghana. Procedures for content standardization, generalized/personalized courses, assessments, feedback, enrichment and remediation have been examined as well as regulatory needs. The study concludes that Ghana is ready for mobile learning albeit regulatory measures and pilot funding is needed.