Journal Evaluation in Education (JEE)
Journal Evaluation in Education (JEE)

an Open Access Journal

SINTA

1.6519

Impact

GScholar

16

H-Index

Journal Evaluation in Education (JEE)

an Open Access Journal

Breaking Connectivity Barriers: B-Smart as an Innovative Low-Bandwidth Mobile Learning Solution for Underserved Communities

Petrus Katemba ORCID
STIKOM Uyelindo Kupang
Indonesia
petruskatemba@gmail.com
Sumarlin Sumarlin ORCID
STIKOM Uyelindo Kupang
Indonesia
Jimi Asmara ORCID
STIKOM Uyelindo Kupang
Indonesia
Remerta Noni Naatonis ORCID
STIKOM Uyelindo Kupang
Indonesia
Share

  • Purpose of the study: Access to digital learning resources remains a critical challenge in underserved communities, particularly those constrained by limited connectivity, inadequate infrastructure, and low-specification devices. This study aims to design, develop, and evaluate B-Smart, a low-bandwidth mobile learning application specifically engineered to bridge the digital learning gap in resource-limited educational environments.

    Methodology: A Design and Development Research (DDR) approach was employed, integrating an offline-first architecture, modular microlearning content, lightweight interface components, and data-efficient synchronization. Evaluation involved technical performance testing on low-end Android devices (1–2 GB RAM), usability testing using the System Usability Scale (SUS), pre-test and post-test learning assessments, and qualitative user feedback from 80 students and 15 teachers.

    Main Findings: B-Smart demonstrated reliable technical performance, with an average module loading time of 1.8 seconds, memory usage of 112 MB, weekly data consumption of 0.9–1.2 MB, and an offline access success rate of 98.7%. Usability evaluation yielded an SUS score of 82.4, while learning assessments revealed a mean post-test improvement of 24.6 points over pre-test scores, confirming significant knowledge gains across all user groups.

    Novelty/Originality of this study: These findings establish B-Smart as a novel, pedagogically sound, and technically efficient mobile learning solution tailored for low-bandwidth contexts. Unlike existing applications that depend on stable connectivity, B-Smart's offline-first, resource-efficient design ensures uninterrupted learning continuity in underserved regions. The study contributes a replicable development framework for scalable digital education initiatives, with practical implications for policymakers, educators, and developers seeking to advance equitable access to quality education in communities.

  • How to cite

    [1]
    “Breaking Connectivity Barriers: B-Smart as an Innovative Low-Bandwidth Mobile Learning Solution for Underserved Communities”, Jor. Eva. Edu, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 479–490, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.37251/jee.v7i2.2769.

    More Citation Formats

  • 123
    Abstract views
    58
    Downloads

    Metrics — Badges

    1. L. Liu, “The impact of mobile applications on personalized learning paths in dance education,” International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, vol. 19, no. 5, pp. 128-143, 2025, doi: 10.3991/ijim.v19i05.54525. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v19i05.54525
    2. M. N. Nazarudin, “The transformative role of mobile applications in biomechanics education: enhancing learning, engagement, and stem integration,” Proceedings 2025 10th International Stem Education Conference Istem Ed, 2025, doi: 10.1109/iSTEM-Ed65612.2025.11129333. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/iSTEM-Ed65612.2025.11129333
    3. H. Crompton and D. Burke, “The use of mobile learning in higher education: A systematic review,” Computers & Education, vol. 123, pp. 53-64, 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.compedu.2018.04.007. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2018.04.007
    4. H. Crompton and D. Burke, “Advantages and challenges associated with mobile learning in education: A systematic literature review,” Journal of Computers in Education, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s40692-024-00342-x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-024-00342-x
    5. R. Arrasyid, “Design, development, and evaluation of a mobile learning application for geography education,” Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 109-134, 2024, doi: 10.37934/araset.38.1.109134. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37934/araset.38.1.109134
    6. M. S. Mgeni, “Adoption of mobile application for enhancing learning in higher education: Students’ views from the State University of Zanzibar, Tanzania,” African Journal of Science Technology Innovation and Development, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 265-273, 2024, doi: 10.1080/20421338.2023.2289248.
    7. R. Kaliisa and E. Picard, “A systematic review on mobile learning in higher education: The African perspective,” Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 1-16, 2019, doi: 10.29333/iejme/5749. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/5749
    8. M. Altalhi, “Toward the sustainability of mobile learning applications in higher education: An empirical study,” Universal Access in the Information Society, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 1103-1113, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s10209-023-01012-y. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-023-01012-y
    9. P. Vlachogianni and N. Tselios, “Perceived usability evaluation of educational technology using the System Usability Scale (SUS): A systematic review,” Journal of Research on Technology in Education, vol. 54, no. 3, pp. 392-409, 2022, doi: 10.1080/15391523.2020.1867938.
    10. M. K. Budiarto, “Technology in education through mobile learning application (MLA) and its impact on learning outcomes: Literature review,” Journal of Education and Learning, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 413-420, 2024, doi: 10.11591/edulearn.v18i2.20976. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v18i2.20976
    11. A. Gómez-García, M. Ramos-Navas-Parejo, J. A. Marín-Marín, and C. Rodríguez-Jiménez, “Mobile learning in higher education: A systematic literature review,” Sustainability, vol. 15, no. 18, p. 13566, 2023, doi: 10.3390/su151813566. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813566
    12. L. Huang, “Application of smart mobile devices in electronic design education: Multidimensional interaction model and learning outcomes assessment,” International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, vol. 18, no. 19, pp. 68-82, 2024, doi : 10.3991/ijim.v18i19.51571. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v18i19.51571
    13. S. Ozdamli and N. Cavus, "Basic elements and characteristics of mobile learning," Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, vol. 28, pp. 937-942, 2011, doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.11.173. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.11.173
    14. M. Oxyandi, “Development of mobile learning application: Clinical education management information system (CEMIS) among nursing students in Indonesia,” Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 217-224, 2024, doi : 10.47836/mjmhs.20.3.29
    15. M. L. Hamzah, F. Rizal, and W. Simatupang, "Development of augmented reality application for learning computer network device," International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, vol. 15, no. 12, pp. 4-15, 2021, doi: 10.3991/ijim.v15i12.21993. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i12.21993
    16. G. R. d. Lazaro, “Moving learning: A systematic review of mobile learning applications for online higher education,” Journal of New Approaches in Educational Research, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 198-224, 2023, doi: 10.7821/near.2023.7.1287 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7821/naer.2023.7.1287
    17. S. Okai-Ugbaje, K. Ardzejewska, and A. Imran, “A mobile learning framework for higher education in resource constrained environments,” Education and Information Technologies, vol. 27, no. 8, pp. 11947-11969, 2022, doi: 10.1007/s10639-022-11094-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11094-5
    18. N. M. Shaya, “An application and extension of the UTAUT model factors influencing behavioral intention to utilize mobile learning in UAE higher education,” Journal of Interactive Learning Research, vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 153-180, 2023, doi: 10.70725/172931cofjid. DOI: https://doi.org/10.70725/172931cofjid
    19. A. Fauziah, and H, Kim, “Mobile learning in Indonesian higher education: quantitative analysis of EFL integration, challenges, and impact,” Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn), vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 1162-1171, 2026, doi: 10.11591/edulearn.v20i2.21967. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v20i2.21967
    20. S. Okai-Ugbaje and K. Ardzejewska, “Key considerations for implementing mobile learning in resource-constrained nations: A scoping review,” Interactive Learning Environments, 2024, doi: 10.1080/10494820.2024.2412069. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2024.2412069
    21. U. Cahyana, Y. Rahmawati, M. Paristiowati, Sasmoko, J. Ferdianto, and A. Dudung, “Ethnopedagogy integration to mobile learning for improving student learning achievement in remote areas,” Universal Journal of Educational Research, vol. 8, no. 5, pp. 1687-1697, 2020, doi: 10.13189/ujer.2020.080505. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.080505
    22. A. R. Pratama, “Fun first, useful later: Mobile learning acceptance among secondary school students in Indonesia,” Education and Information Technologies, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 1737-1753, 2021, doi: 10.1007/s10639-020-10334-w. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-020-10334-w
    23. A. D. Taylor and W. Hung, “The effects of microlearning: A scoping review,” Educational Technology Research and Development, vol. 70, no. 3, pp. 839-856, 2022, doi: 10.1007/s11423-022-10084-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-022-10084-1
    24. H. Crompton, “A historical overview of m-learning: Toward learner-centered education,” in Handbook of Mobile Learning, Z. L. Berge and L. Y. Muilenburg, Eds. New York, NY: Routledge, 2013, pp. 3-14.
    25. M. S. Mgeni, H. A. Haji, S. A. Yunus, and A. A. Abdulla, “Adoption of mobile application for enhancing learning in higher education: Students' views from the State University of Zanzibar,” African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 265-273, 2024, doi: 10.1080/20421338.2023.2289248. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2023.2289248
    26. A. Tamim, R. Bernard, E. Borokhovski, P. Abrami, and R. Schmid, “What forty years of research says about the impact of technology on learning: A second-order meta-analysis and validation study,” Review of Educational Research, vol. 81, no. 1, pp. 4-28, 2011, doi: 10.3102/0034654310393361. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654310393361
    27. H. Guo, “JAVA mobile application development course under the framework of industry-education integration: Practice of deep learning and neural network integration,” Proceedings 2024 International Conference on Artificial Intelligence Deep Learning and Neural Networks Aidlnn, pp. 65-70, 2024 doi: 10.1109/AIDLNN65358.2024.00018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/AIDLNN65358.2024.00018
    28. J. M. Spector, M. D. Merrill, J. Elen, and M. J. Bishop, Handbook of Research on Educational Communications and Technology, 4th ed. New York: Springer, 2014, doi: 10.1007/978-1-4614-3185-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3185-5
    29. A. D. Samala, “Immersive learning experience design (ILXD): Augmented reality mobile application for placing and interacting with 3d learning objects in engineering education,” International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, vol. 17, no. 5, pp. 22-35, 2023, doi: 10.3991/ijim.v17i05.37067. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v17i05.37067
    30. L. Zarshenas, M. Mehrabi, L. Karamdar, M. H. Keshavarzi, and Z. Keshtkaran, “The effect of micro-learning on learning and self-efficacy of nursing students: An interventional study,” BMC Medical Education, vol. 22, p. 664, 2022, doi: 10.1186/s12909-022-03726-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-022-03726-8
    31. N. Jahan, “Design and feasibility analysis of NSUGT A machine learning-based mobile application for education,” IEEE 11th Annual Computing and Communication Workshop and Conference Ccwc 2021, pp. 926-929, 2021, doi: 10.1109/CCWC51732.2021.9376040. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/CCWC51732.2021.9376040
    32. M. Ally and A. Tsinakos, Increasing Access Through Mobile Learning. Vancouver, BC: Commonwealth of Learning, 2014. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/558
    33. A. Gikas and M. M. Grant, “Mobile computing devices in higher education: Student perspectives on learning with cellphones, smartphones & social media,” Internet and Higher Education, vol. 19, pp. 18-26, 2013, doi: 10.1016/j.iheduc.2013.06.002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2013.06.002
    34. M. Ally and J. Prieto-Blazquez, “What is the future of mobile learning in education?” International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 142-151, 2014, doi: 10.7238/rusc.v11i1.2033. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7238/rusc.v11i1.2033
    35. A. Setyoko, T. M. Sarjani, S. R. Mahyuny, and S. Suryanti, “Implementation of Android-based blended learning for improving learning outcome and information literacy skill of students,” Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 74-79, 2023, doi: 10.29303/jppipa.v9i1.2248. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i1.2248
    36. M. R. I. Kholili, A. Dewantoro, E. Legowo, and N. Surur, “The future trends of mobile learning application (mla) in education area: A systematic literature review (slr),” In Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Learning Innovation and Quality Education (pp. 1-8), 2021, doi: 10.1145/3516875.3516971. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3516875.3516971
    37. B. Brooke, “SUS: A retrospective,” Journal of Usability Studies, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 29-40, 2013. Available: https://uxpajournal.org/sus-a-retrospective/.
    38. T. J. Siong, N. R. M, Nasir, and F. H. M, Salleh, “A mobile learning application for Malaysian sign language education,” Journal of Physics Conference Series, vol. 1860, no. 1, 2021, doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1860/1/012004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1860/1/012004
    39. P. Vlachogianni, and N. Tselios, “Perceived usability evaluation of educational technology using the System Usability Scale (SUS): A systematic review,” Journal of Research on Technology in Education, vol. 54, no. 3, pp. 392-409, 2022, doi: 10.1080/15391523.2020.1867938. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2020.1867938
    40. C. S. Criollo, “Towards a new learning experience through a mobile application with augmented reality in engineering education,” Applied Sciences Switzerland, vol. 11, no. 11, 2021, doi: 10.3390/app11114921. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app11114921
    41. D. Gachago, T. Bosch, and S. Pather, “Digital inequalities in low-resourced higher education institutions: A South African perspective,” International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 1-17, 2021, doi: 10.1186/s41239-021-00247-7.
    42. Y. M. Lee, I. Jahnke, and L. Austin, “Mobile microlearning design and effects on learning efficacy and learner experience,” Educational Technology Research and Development, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 885-915, 2021, doi: 10.1007/s11423-020-09931-w. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09931-w
    43. M. Shoaib, Z. Iqbal, M. A. Hussain, and N. Nawaz, “Effectiveness of mobile-assisted language learning in rural secondary schools of Punjab, Pakistan,” International Journal of English Linguistics, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 12-24, 2021, doi: 10.5539/ijel.v11n4p12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/ijel.v11n4p12
    44. C. Pimmer, M. Mateescu, and U. Gröhbiel, “Mobile and ubiquitous learning in higher education settings: A systematic review of empirical studies,” Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 63, pp. 490-501, 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.chb.2016.05.057. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.05.057
    45. A. Miangah and A. Nezarat, “Mobile-assisted language learning,” International Journal of Distributed and Parallel Systems, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 309-319, 2012, doi: 10.5121/ijdps.2012.3126. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5121/ijdps.2012.3126
    46. D. A. Oktavianto, S. Utaya, Sumarmi, and D. Taryana, “Geographic-inquiry on virtual environment mobile application to support fieldwork based on blended learning,” International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 466-474, 2024, doi: 10.11591/ijere.v13i1.26597. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v13i1.26597
    47. M. Nouri, “The flipped classroom: For active, effective and increased learning - especially for low achievers,” International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 1-10, 2016, doi: 10.1186/s41239-016-0032-z. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-016-0032-z
    48. F. Jastrow, S. Greve, M. Thumel, H. Diekhoff, and J. A. Süßenbach, “Digital technology in physical education: a systematic review of research from 2009 to 2020,” German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 504-528, 2022, doi: 10.1007/s12662-022-00848-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-022-00848-5
    49. D. Almaiah, A. Al-Khasawneh, and A. Althunibat, “Exploring the critical challenges and factors influencing the E-learning system usage during COVID-19 pandemic,” Education and Information Technologies, vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 5261-5280, 2020, doi: 10.1007/s10639-020-10219-y. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-020-10219-y
    50. C. Redecker, “European framework for the digital competence of educators (DigCompEdu),” European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Seville, JRC107466, 2017, doi: 10.2760/159770.
    51. N. Komalawardhana, “A mobile game-based learning system with personalised conceptual level and mastery learning approach to promoting students' learning perceptions and achievements,” International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 29-49, 2021, doi: 10.1504/IJMLO.2021.111596.
    52. N. Komalawardhana, “A mobile game-based learning system with personalised conceptual level and mastery learning approach to promoting students' learning perceptions and achievements,” International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 29-49, 2021, doi: 10.1504/IJMLO.2021.111596. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJMLO.2021.111596
    53. S. Sophonhiranrak, “Features, barriers, and influencing factors of mobile learning in higher education: A systematic review,” Heliyon, vol. 7, no. 4, p. e06696, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06696. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06696