Abstract:
Smartphone technology is among the most
powerful technological breakthroughs to the level that
most of the world’s adult population relies on it daily.
Despite being initially considered as destruction to
learners in their studies, the advent of Covid-19 made
lecturers and learners reconsider their stance against
smartphones as it was used to ensure learning goes on
outside the confines of the university. This study focused
on developing a smartphone usability features
framework towards self-directed learning in University
of Dar es Salaam. Quantitative research design and
survey research method were adopted for this study. A
sample size of 392 respondents was used and this was
obtained through stratified and simple random sampling
techniques. The study used a questionnaire as the data
collection tool. Quality of the questionnaire was ensured
through both validity and reliability. The data collected
were analyzed using descriptive, exploratory and
inferential data analysis. The findings on the
smartphones platform usability feature depicted that the
learners’ smartphones are compatible with different
software, high degree of sensitivity and can be connected
to the internet and other devices to facilitate self-directed
learning. This study recommends smartphones to be
integrated to the learning process to enhance selfdirected learning among learners.
