Muhammad Iqbal Ripo Putra, I. Nyoman Sudana Degeng, Punaji Setyosari, Made Duananda Kartika Degeng
This research explores how middle school educators in underprivileged schools in West Kalimantan integrate mobile devices to enhance teaching and learning practices. Using a qualitative research methodology, the study involved interviews with fifteen middle school teachers from five semi-urban schools in the Pontianak district. Complementary classroom observations were conducted to validate the interview findings. The study reveals that mobile devices serve as versatile tools, allowing teachers to create web-based content, access online learning materials, conduct in-class lessons, and implement blended tutoring strategies. Teachers demonstrated their technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) through activities such as retrieving information, using language games, employing dictionaries, and integrating various educational applications. Notably, even without access to desktop computers or laptops, these resource-limited educators successfully utilized mobile devices to enhance the teaching and learning process. However, the findings also highlight significant challenges. Teachers’ technological capabilities are limited, primarily due to inadequate professional training programs and insufficient institutional support. Administrative leaders, often unfamiliar with emerging educational technologies, fail to provide the necessary resources or guidance. As a result, teachers’ ability to fully optimize the pedagogical potential of mobile devices is constrained. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.
Department of Educational Technology, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia; Department of English Education, Universitas PGRI Pontianak, Pontianak, Indonesia
