Impact of Mobile Coding Apps on Student Autonomous Learning in Tertiary Education: A Case Study

This study looks into the impact of mobile coding apps on autonomous learning among tertiary students through a cross-sectional survey. Analyzing data from 377 students, primarily from the BS Information Technology program, the research reveals a potential gender gap in app usage and a reliance on smartphones for coding due to limited access to traditional computing devices. It highlights the widespread use of mobile coding applications, valued for their accessibility and hands-on experience, resulting in improved coding skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. While preferences leaned towards C++, a growing interest in Python was noted. These findings underscore the pivotal role of these apps in education, especially in resource-constrained environments, emphasizing the need for educational adaptation and policy changes to fully harness the transformative potential of technology in IT education, addressing disparities in access linked to income and gender while promoting autonomous learning.