Investigating The Use Of Mobile Computing In Zimbabwe Polytechnics Case Of A Polytechnic In Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT Mobile computing has become an invaluable and inevitable part of teaching and learning in educational institutions globally. Zimbabwean polytechnics are not spared and those institutions that have chosen to integrate mobile computing with existing teaching and learning applications stand to benefit more than their slow and stagnant counterparts. This paper is investigated whether mobile computing is being used in Zimbabwe Polytechnics. It is based mainly on primary research since no particular research has targeted Polytechnics in Zimbabwe and specifically the Polytechnic understudy in this area thus a survey was conducted and the survey results were used as the main data source. However secondary research was incorporated to see what other researchers have found in similar topics the world over. This paper identifies the mobile computing hardware technology software and communication technologies used at the Polytechnic. It then outlines the achievements made in this area and the associated benefits of such achievements. Finally highlights the challenges currently being faced by the polytechnic in implementing mobile computing and the opportunities the institution can exploit by fully utilizing the technology. The main findings of this research were that Zimbabwe polytechnics in general and the polytechnic in particular have adopted usage of mobile computing to enhance their teaching and learning and administrative activities. There are visible and tangible achievements and benefits that have been realized. Opportunities have been identified which the polytechnic can exploit if it fully embraces mobile computing. However there are some challenges hindering the progress in this regard.