Comparative Study of Learning Effectiveness between a Mobile Learning Tool and Paper

This paper describes a comparative study between a mobile learning tool called "Pocket Challenge" and paper. The intention is to identify which between the two is more effective and acceptable to students. The experiment was conducted on 22 students to compare three factors; (1) Memorization of English words (2) Academic performance with regards to problem-solving, (3) Learning motivation and concentration, and media preference. In order to examine the validity and reproducibility, the experiment was repeated twice on each student. Students were requested to ask questions, solve problems, and learn words using the two media - "Pocket Challenge" and paper. Memorization of English words and academic performance were measured by written tests. Learning concentration was measured by the extent of decreasing concentration equivalent to the frequencies of students' taking their eyes away from the task at hand. Learning motivation and media preference were measured by subjective questions and answers. The results of both experiments show that the mobile learning tool is more superior to paper on (1) memorization of English words and (3) learning motivation, concentration and media preference. "Pocket Challenge" is slightly superior to paper in (2) academic performance of problem solving. Surprisingly, "Pocket Challenge" was regarded as the better media in comparison to paper, in all the questionnaire items.