Ipad-Supported Active Learning and Student Engagement in Higher Education

Abstract Book of the 10th International Conference on New Trends in Teaching and Education

Year: 2026

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Ipad-Supported Active Learning and Student Engagement in Higher Education

Abas Hadawey, Alessio Corso , Shatha Haddowe , Raveendran Sundararajan

ABSTRACT:

Digital technology has become a natural part of today’s classrooms, and mobile devices such as iPads
are now widely used in teaching and learning. Since its release in 2010, Apple’s iPad has attracted much
attention as an affordable and flexible learning tool for all levels of education. This paper examines the
use of iPads to enhance active learning and student engagement in engineering education. iPads were
used into lectures and tutorials for two modules, Advanced Engineering Mathematics and Modelling
(Level 5) and Thermofluids and Dynamics (Level 4), to deliver content, demonstrate problem-solving,
and support explanations using animations, images, and short video clips. Data were collected through
a purpose-designed questionnaire completed by 135 Level 4 and 5 engineering students at London
South Bank University (LSBU). The findings show that iPad integration significantly improved student
engagement, understanding of complex topics, and interaction with instructors. Students reported
clearer explanations, easier interpretation of graphs and tables, and helped concentration throughout
longer lectures. Overall, the results demonstrate that iPads effectively support learning and create a
more interactive and engaging engineering teaching environment.

Keywords: Active learning, Digital technology in education, Engineering education, Interactive teaching, Technology-enhanced learning