ABSTRACT
The study investigated undergraduates’ awareness and use of smartphone applications for learning science at the University of Benin. Through a descriptive survey research design, data were collected from 200 students and analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that undergraduates perceive smartphone applications positively, recognizing their impact on engagement, motivation, and academic performance in science education. Effective strategies to enhance awareness and usage of educational apps were identified, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches to accommodate individual student needs and learning preferences. Moreover, the study highlighted the widespread acknowledgment among students of the beneficial role of smartphone applications in enhancing scientific knowledge, echoing previous research on the positive perceptions of mobile technologies in education.
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into undergraduates' interactions with smartphone applications for science learning, offering practical recommendations for educators, developers, and institutions to promote effective usage of educational apps. These recommendations include encouraging a balanced approach to app usage, customizing app features to cater to diverse student needs, leveraging mobile technology to boost engagement and performance, and implementing clear guidelines and support mechanisms to enhance app adoption. Overall, the study underscores the potential of smartphone applications as valuable tools in science education and emphasizes the importance of tailored strategies to maximize their benefits for students at the University of Benin.
