Mobile Learning Engagement Among Informal Economy Workers

This study examined how informal economy workers engage in mobile learning and the factors that influence their participation in the process. Guided by a critical realism paradigm and Hew’s model for student engagement, a qualitative case study was conducted. Twenty-two workers completed an online questionnaire, and eleven participated in semi-structured interviews. Findings showed relatively low engagement with the Online Labour Academy mobile app, as most participants completed only one or two courses. Nonetheless, they reported positive experiences influenced by engaging activities, facilitator support, user-friendly design, relevant content, and course flexibility. Major challenges included limited digital literacy and poor internet access. The study recommends that education organisations design inclusive mobile learning programs and provide basic digital skills training to enhance the participation and sustain the engagement of informal workers in mobile learning.