European Journal of STEM Education
Research Article
2026, 11(1), Article No: 26

Integrating Mobile Technology in Inquiry-Based Instruction for Sustainable and Innovative Learning in Higher Education

Winarto Winarto 1, MIsbah Misbah 2, Ariyatun Ariyatun 3, Erwinsyah Satria 4, Evita Widiyati 5, Sri Jumini 6, Pradina Parameswari 7, Galih Albarra Shidiq 8 *
1 Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, INDONESIA2 Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, INDONESIA3 Universitas Negeri Jakarta, INDONESIA4 Universitas Bung Hatta, INDONESIA5 Universitas Hasyim Asy’ari, INDONESIA6 Universitas Sains Al Qur’an, INDONESIA7 Universitas Negeri Surabaya, INDONESIA8 Universitas Bhayangkara Jakarta Raya, INDONESIA
* Corresponding Author
https://doi.org/10.20897/ejsteme/18304
Published in Volume 11 Issue 1: 27 Apr 2026
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Abstract

Digital transformation in higher education offers new opportunities to promote sustainability-oriented innovation and equitable learning in developing countries. This study investigates how integrating mobile phone technology and applications into inquiry-based instruction can enhance students' innovative thinking skills while promoting sustainable learning environments in university classes. Thirty Indonesian University students participated in a mixed-method intervention involving pre- and post-tests and semi-structured interviews to investigate the effects of mobile-supported inquiry learning on four components of innovative thinking: questioning, observing, exploring, and networking ideas. Quantitative analysis revealed significant improvements in questioning and exploring (Cohen’s d = 0.48 and 0.82), while qualitative findings highlighted improvements in motivation, engagement, and digital literacy. The integration of mobile applications facilitated the development of advanced cognitive processes and improved the ability of students to connect conceptual learning with the solution of genuine, real-world problems. This study enhances Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) by employing hands-on and questioning methods in mobile learning. It demonstrates how digital teaching can be made user-friendly, thereby fostering the development of sustainability-focused, creative, and thoughtful learners. The findings provide valuable advice to universities that aspire to establish inclusive, efficient, and innovative learning experiences that are aligned with SDG 4 and SDG 9, particularly by identifying specific strategies and best practices that can enhance sustainability education.
Figure 1 Figure 1. The implementation process of learning model activities
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APA 7th edition
In-text citation: (Winarto et al., 2026)
Reference: Winarto, W., Misbah, M., Ariyatun, A., Satria, E., Widiyati, E., Jumini, S., Parameswari, P., & Shidiq, G. A. (2026). Integrating Mobile Technology in Inquiry-Based Instruction for Sustainable and Innovative Learning in Higher Education. European Journal of STEM Education, 11(1), Article 26. https://doi.org/10.20897/ejsteme/18304
AMA 10th edition
In-text citation: (1), (2), (3), etc.
Reference: Winarto W, Misbah M, Ariyatun A, et al. Integrating Mobile Technology in Inquiry-Based Instruction for Sustainable and Innovative Learning in Higher Education. European Journal of STEM Education. 2026;11(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.20897/ejsteme/18304
Chicago
In-text citation: (Winarto et al., 2026)
Reference: Winarto, Winarto, MIsbah Misbah, Ariyatun Ariyatun, Erwinsyah Satria, Evita Widiyati, Sri Jumini, Pradina Parameswari, and Galih Albarra Shidiq. "Integrating Mobile Technology in Inquiry-Based Instruction for Sustainable and Innovative Learning in Higher Education". European Journal of STEM Education 2026 11 no. 1 (2026): 26. https://doi.org/10.20897/ejsteme/18304
Harvard
In-text citation: (Winarto et al., 2026)
Reference: Winarto, W., Misbah, M., Ariyatun, A., Satria, E., Widiyati, E., Jumini, S., . . . Shidiq, G. A. (2026). Integrating Mobile Technology in Inquiry-Based Instruction for Sustainable and Innovative Learning in Higher Education. European Journal of STEM Education, 11(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.20897/ejsteme/18304
MLA
In-text citation: (Winarto et al., 2026)
Reference: Winarto, Winarto et al. "Integrating Mobile Technology in Inquiry-Based Instruction for Sustainable and Innovative Learning in Higher Education". European Journal of STEM Education, vol. 11, no. 1, 2026, 26. https://doi.org/10.20897/ejsteme/18304
Vancouver
In-text citation: (1), (2), (3), etc.
Reference: Winarto W, Misbah M, Ariyatun A, Satria E, Widiyati E, Jumini S, et al. Integrating Mobile Technology in Inquiry-Based Instruction for Sustainable and Innovative Learning in Higher Education. European Journal of STEM Education. 2026;11(1):26. https://doi.org/10.20897/ejsteme/18304
Keywords
sustainable education, mobile technology, inquiry-based instruction, innovative thinking skills, education for sustainable development (ESD)
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