The Use of Mobile Technology as a Tool for Learning and Academic Development from the Perspective of Students in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Musical Arts

Abstract

This paper examines the use of mobile technology as a tool for learning and academic development from the perspective of students in the social sciences, humanities, and musical arts. The research, conducted through focus group discussions, aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of students from the Faculty of Philosophy (social sciences and humanities programs) and the Academy of Music at the University of East Sarajevo regarding the application, efficiency, and effectiveness of mobile technologies in the educational process.The findings confirmed the main hypothesis concerning differences in the use,perceived efficiency, and educational functions of mobile technologies between students of the social sciences and humanities and those of the musical arts. While both groups recognize mobile technologies as valuable educational tools, their usage patterns and technological needs differ significantly, depending on the specific demands of their academic fields. Students in the social sciences and humanities primarily use mobile technologies for accessing information and communication, whereas music students emphasize the practical, audiovisual, and creative functionalities of mobile devices.The results indicate that mobile technologies enhance flexibility, provide on demand access to educational materials, increase interactivity, support personalized learning, foster student collaboration, and improve time management. However,several challenges were identified, including distractions, insufficient technical support, and a lack of alignment between educational applications and the specific requirements of different academic programs.The study’s implications highlight the importance of a deeper understanding of discipline-specific applications of mobile technologies and the development of strategies for their effective integration into the teaching and learning process.Successful implementation requires continuous teacher training, adequate institutional support, and access to diverse multimedia content that promotes
creativity and research-based learning.