KAITSEVÄE ÜHENDATUD ÕPPEASUTUSTE PÕHIKURSUSTE KADETTIDE KOGEMUSED, USKUMUSED JA ETTEPANEKUD SEOSES NUTIVAHENDITE KASUTAMISEGA ÕPPETEGEVUSES

Use of Smart Devices for Learning: Experience, Perceptions and Proposals of the Basic Course Cadets of the Estonian National Defence College

Abstract

Digital competence and the use of innovative technological tools in education have become important key words in educational policy in both Estonia as well as the European Union. The purpose of the study was to determine Basic Officer Course cadets’ experience and perceptions of using smart devices for learning and proposals for using smart devices for teaching and learning in the Estonian National Defence College (ENDC). The qualitative research method was used. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with 10 ENDC Basic Course cadets and analyzed using the qualitative thematic data analysis method. The results demonstrated that cadets had the most experience with learning with smart devices in connection to formal education and mostly described their experience as positive. Cadets’ perceptions about learning with smart devices were diverse: while some considered it useful, others thought it was impractical or distracting from the learning process. Generally cadets held the belief that smart devices were suitable for younger and self-directed people. Cadets suggested that smart devices should not be banned in the ENDC to allow the necessary flexibility in learning. Cadets made several proposals for using smart devices in the ENDC.