Towards a conceptual framework highlighting mobile learning challenges

Over the last decade, there has been much interest in mobile technologies in teaching and learning as emerging and innovative tools. Despite this focus, mobile learning (m-Learning) implementation is facing many challenges. This study presents a tentative conceptual framework that consolidates existing research related to mobile learning implementation barriers. The study adopted a systematic review of the literature on challenges to mobile learning. A total of 125 papers published between 2007 and 2017 were extracted from established peer reviewed journals. A qualitative content analysis was used to define 24 barriers that have been grouped into four conceptual categories: Technological, Learner, Pedagogical and Facilitating Conditions. The proposed framework acts as guide for educators, systems developers, policy makers, researchers and stakeholders interested in implementing mobile learning programs.