The Effect of Mobile Learning on Metacognitive Self-regulation and Attitudes of Students of Allied Health Sciences

Introduction: The advantage of mobile learning in education is mobility and availability. This type of learning not only increases learner’s satisfaction and encourages them, but also develops learner’s interactions and effective communicational activities. As a result, this study was performed to investigate metacognitive self-regulation and attitude of students of allied health sciences through mobile learning in Birjand University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, study population included operating room students (n=43) in satellite faculties of Birjand (Ghaen and Ferdows). Initially a relevant microbiology mobile book was installed on students’ mobile phones in case group (22 students). The microbiology contents were represented to the students of case group through the mobile book and SMS in addition to regular face to face technique. The control group received only conventional face-to-face training. Data gathering tool included questionnaires of Pintrich metacognitive self-regulation and students' attitude toward mobile learning. Pintrich has reported high validity and reliability and this also approved by domestic studies. A questionnaire of 12 items was used for investigating students’ attitude toward mobile learning which its validity was verified through factor analysis and the reliability was confirmed through Cronbach’s Alpha. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The results of the study showed that mobile use has a significant effect on students’ metacognitive self-regulation and attitudes (p<0.0005). Conclusion: Mobile learning left a positive effect on students’ metacognitive self-regulation and attitudes. Therefore, it is recommended that curriculum planners design and employ appropriate mobile learning methods to enhance attitude, motivation, and self-regulation skills of students.