Digitalizing skills development using simulation-based mobile (SiM) learning application

In a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, education and training providers need to explore other pedagogical approaches in conducting technical and vocational courses. This study introduced a new approach to conducting electrical engineering related laboratory activities amidst online or hybrid learning modalities. Primarily, this paper examined the potential of using simulation-based (SiM) mobile learning application to develop technical and vocational skills of the users. The researcher-developed mobile learning application, Electrical Wiring Simulator (EWS), was used to collect the responses from the 345 users worldwide who downloaded the software from Google Play. The majority of the respondents came from the Republic of the Philippines, USA, Indonesia, India, Mexico, Myanmar, United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Portugal among others. The respondents reported a high potential to develop electrical wiring skills when using EWS. The results from Multiple Linear Regression Analysis indicated perceived usefulness (PU) and ease of using the mobile simulator significantly influenced the user’s potential electrical wiring skills development. Lastly, the PROCESS macro showed that there is not enough evidence to show that the generation of the learners significantly moderates the effect of perceived ease of use on potential skills development.