Use of smartphones for informal education and skills development among bodaboda riders in Nakulabye-Kampala

Abstract

The study examined the use of smartphones in informal education and skills development among boda-boda riders in Nakulabye Zone 9, Rubaga Division, Kampala. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to establish the level of smartphone usage among boda-boda riders, to analyse the types of educational content accessed through smartphones, and to examine the challenges faced by riders in using smartphones for informal learning. The study was underpinned by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which explains how perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use influence technology adoption and utilization. A mixed-methods research approach employing a case study design was adopted. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 30 boda-boda riders operating in Nakulabye Zone 9. Structured questionnaires were administered to all the respondents, while six purposively selected riders participated in in-depth interviews to provide detailed insights into their experiences and perceptions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) with the aid of SPSS, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that smartphone usage among boda-boda riders was generally moderate to high, with most respondents using smartphones daily or weekly to access information that supports their work and personal development. The study further established that YouTube tutorials, Google Search, WhatsApp and other social media platforms were the primary sources of educational content, particularly on motorcycle maintenance, road safety, customer care, entrepreneurship and financial management. However, the study identified several barriers to effective smartphone-supported learning, including high internet costs, limited digital literacy, demanding work schedules, poor internet connectivity, language barriers and inadequate access to electricity for charging smartphones. The study concludes that smartphones have significant potential to promote informal education, lifelong learning and skills development among boda-boda riders when supported by affordable internet access, improved digital literacy and relevant localized educational content. The study recommends collaborative efforts by government, telecommunication companies, educational institutions and boda-boda associations to develop affordable mobile learning programmes and practical digital learning resources that enhance the productivity, safety and livelihoods of boda-boda riders in Uganda.