Advantages of Using Mobile Applications and Platforms for The Effective Organization of Independent Learning: A Case Study in Informatics Teaching Methodology

Аннотация

This study explores the integration of mobile applications and platforms in organizing independent learning within the context of informatics education. It examines how these digital tools enhance learner autonomy, engagement, and performance. The paper also discusses challenges and proposes strategies for effective implementation. Keywords: Mobile learning, independent learning, informatics education, educational technology, learner autonomy. practice apps, collaborative design platforms, and Introduction: In the rapidly evolving landscape of 21st- simulation-based learning tools are reshaping the century education, independent learning (IL) has instructional strategies traditionally employed in emerged as a pivotal paradigm for enhancing student informatics courses. As a result, both instructors and autonomy, flexibility, and lifelong learning skills. Driven learners are rethinking their roles: teachers become by the proliferation of digital technologies, particularly facilitators of knowledge while students take on more mobile applications and platforms, educational responsibility for their learning process. institutions are increasingly integrating tech-based tools to support learner-centered approaches. This Despite the many advantages, the integration of transformation is especially evident in the domain of mobile apps in independent learning is not without informatics education, where the nature of the subject challenges. Issues such as digital literacy gaps, aligns naturally with digital tools and platforms. inconsistent internet access, distractions from non- educational content, and alignment with national Mobile learning (m-learning), a subset of e-learning, curricula must be addressed to ensure meaningful refers to the use of mobile technologies—such as adoption. smartphones, tablets, and educational apps—to facilitate learning anytime and anywhere. The The primary aim of this research is to explore the application of m-learning in organizing independent pedagogical advantages and practical implications of learning activities offers numerous advantages: using mobile applications and platforms in organizing students can access materials at their own pace, independent learning within the context of informatics engage in interactive tasks, receive instant feedback, education. The study investigates the perceptions of and collaborate virtually with peers and instructors. students and teachers, identifies key benefits and Moreover, mobile platforms allow for the limitations, and provides evidence-based personalization of content, catering to learners' recommendations for effective integration. In doing so, individual needs and competencies. it contributes to the growing body of literature on mobile learning and aims to inform future digital Informatics teaching methodology, which deals with pedagogical strategies in higher education. effective ways of delivering computing and information technology concepts, benefits substantially from Literature Review mobile-assisted learning environments. Programming The integration of mobile technologies into the International Journal of Pedagogics 139 https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijp International Journal of Pedagogics (ISSN: 2771-2281) educational process has been the subject of extensive instructors may struggle to fully utilize mobile tools for research over the past two decades. Scholars have educational purposes. examined the impact of mobile applications and From a pedagogical perspective, the SAMR platforms on independent learning, particularly in (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, higher education contexts where learner autonomy is Redefinition) model proposed by Puentedura (2014) critical. In this section, we analyze the existing body of offers a useful framework for evaluating the impact of literature relevant to the use of mobile apps in mobile applications on teaching and learning practices. organizing self-directed learning, with a special In informatics education, this model helps instructors emphasis on informatics education. assess how mobile tools can transform instructional Alrasheedi and Capretz (2018) conducted a strategies—from simply replacing traditional methods comprehensive meta-analysis to identify critical (substitution) to redefining tasks that were previously success factors (CSFs) that affect mobile learning inconceivable without technology. adoption. Their findings revealed that factors such as In conclusion, the reviewed literature confirms the user-friendly design, content quality, network growing consensus that mobile applications hold availability, and learner readiness play pivotal roles in transformative potential for organizing and enhancing the effectiveness of mobile learning environments. independent learning. Informatics education, with its These findings are particularly relevant to informatics focus on computational thinking, problem-solving, and education, where technical content must be delivered self