Shonola, Shaibu A. (2017) Mobile learning security in Nigeria. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

Innovation in learning technologies is driven by demands to meet students’ needs and make knowledge delivery easier by Higher Education Institutions. The technologies could play an important role in extending the possibilities for teaching, learning, and research in higher educational institutions (HEIs). Mobile learning emerged from this innovation as a result of massive use in the number of mobile devices due to availability and affordability among students.

The lightweight nature of mobile devices in comparison to textbooks is also a source of attraction for students. Competition in the mobile device industry is encouraging mobile developers to be innovative and constantly striving to introduce new features in the devices. Consequently, newer sources of risks are being introduced in mobile computing paradigm at production level. Similarly, many m-learning developers are interested in developing learning content and instruction without adequate consideration for security of stakeholders’ data, whereas mobile devices used in m-learning can potentially become vulnerable if the security aspects are neglected. The purpose of this research is to identify the security concerns in mobile learning from the users’ perspective based on studies conducted in HEIs in Nigeria.

While the challenges of adopting mobile learning in Nigerian universities are enormous, this study identifies the critical security challenges that learners and other users may face when using mobile devices for educational purposes. It examines the effects on the users if their privacy is breached and provides recommendations for alleviating the security threats. This research also, after considering users’ opinions and evaluating relevant literature, proposes security frameworks for m-learning as bedrocks for designing or implementing a secured environment. In identifying the security threats, the study investigates components of mobile learning systems that are prone to security threats and the common attack routes in m-learning, most especially among students in Nigerian universities.

In order to reduce the security threats, the research presents a mobile security enhancement app, designed and developed for android smart mobile devices to promote security awareness among students. The app can also identify some significant security weaknesses by scanning/checking for vulnerabilities in m-learning devices as well as reporting any security threat. The responsibilities of the stakeholders in ensuring risk free mobile learning environments are also examined.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Electronic computers. Computer science. Computer software
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Mobile computing -- Security measures -- Nigeria., Computer security -- Nigeria., Online social networks -- Computer networks -- Security measures., Mobile communication systems in education -- Nigeria, Internet in higher education -- Nigeria., Education, Higher -- Effect of technological innovations on -- Nigeria., Educational technology -- Security measures., Cyberspace -- Security measures.
Official Date:	May 2017
Dates:	Date Event May 2017 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Computer Science
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Joy, Mike
Extent:	xviii, 233 leaves :illustrations, charts.
Language:	eng

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