Towards a mobile education tool for higher education teachers: A user requirements definition

Mobile education (ME) has been greatly spread through mobile devices, transforming the way education is delivered. However, in Tanzania, little is known whether teachers in higher education institutions (HEIs) utilize mobile devices for their own ME training and other educational related matters. The aim of this study, therefore, is to investigate the usage of mobile devices owned by teachers at the College of Business Education (CBE), Tanzania, and determine the design requirements for the development of a mobile education tool (MET). MET seeks to enhance teachers' ME training and teaching skills by promoting peer collaboration among the teachers in education related matters. Data collection is carried out using a questionnaire administered 126 teachers of the College of Business Education (CBE), and semi-structured interviews with key academic staff to identify the needed contents to be incorporated in MET. The results indicate that teachers' discussion forums, PowerPoint presentations, modules, teaching manuals, and subject notes are among the needed educational materials to be incorporated into MET for sharing and personalized training. The impact of this work is highlighted through teachers' awareness of the usage of mobile technologies in HEIs and on the enhancement of education system in Tanzania.