mobile+learning

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** Mobile learning ** The term **M-Learning**, or "mobile learning", has different meanings for different communities. Although related to e-learning and distance education, it is distinct in its focus on learning across contexts and learning with mobile device. One definition of mobile learning is: //Any sort of learning that happens when the learner is not at a fixed, predetermined location, or learning that happens when the learner takes advantage of the learning opportunities offered by mobile technologies.// toc

= Definition =

any knowledge and skill through using mobile technology, anywhere, anytime, that results in an alteration in behaviour.
 * mLearning is the acquisition of **


 * The following points are to be noted from this definition.**


 * • ** ** The term ‘mobile technology’ refers to any device that[[image:ff.jpg width="300" height="176" align="right"]] **
 * is designed to provide access to information in any **
 * location, or while on the move. Specifically this would **
 * include, but not be limited to mobile phones, personal **
 * digital assistants (PDA), tablet computers and laptops. **


 * • ** ** Terms such as teaching and training are not used in **
 * this definition. It is not suggested that these methods **
 * of facilitating learning will disappear, however, greater **
 * emphasis will be placed on self-directed learning. **


 * • ** ** The behaviourist idea of an ‘alteration in behaviour’ is[[image:dc.jpg width="236" height="159" align="right"]] **
 * used because as the information age continues to **
 * progress, more people will be gaining more knowledge, **
 * more often and more easily. However, without an **
 * alteration in behaviour, it is not deemed to be learning. **

= M-learning advantage : =

**// the four major advantages that can be gained from mLearning to a greater degree, or more //// easily than any other learning methods. The advantages are: access, context, //// collaboration, and appeal. //**

= = ** This access advantage is not limited to time and location. The devices required to accessThat potential is likely to increase as the information age accelerates. People will need toThe most obvious advantage of an mLearning environment is the ability to access
 * =Access=

This access advantage is not limited to time and location. The devices required to access mobile networks are relatively inexpensive compared to desktop or laptop computers. This reduced expense can make access to this learning available to people who otherwise could not afford it. **

> ** collaboration, as part of the social constructivism theory, emphasises the importance of intrinsic learning through social interactions. This learner-centred interaction results in learners being more engaged and helps to develop personal intellectual structures that foster a deeper understanding of the content at hand (Stahl et al 1995). This learner-centred collaborative approach is also well suited to ill-defined knowledge domains. It allows students to discuss complex situations and to resolve ambiguities, common in these domains (Spiro et al 1991). Collaboration is not new to learning and would certainly continue to exist without the inculcation of mLearning into society. However, mLearning allows the collaboration to happen regardless of physical location, in real time and to include text and rich media as well as voice. **
 * =collaboration=



= the value of m-learning =


 * ** It is important to bring new technology into the classroom. **
 * ** It will be more light weight device compare to books, PCs, etc. **
 * ** Mobile learning could be utilised as part of a learning approach which uses different types of activities (or a blended learning approach). **
 * ** Mobile learning supports the learning process rather than being integral to it. **
 * ** Mobile learning needs to be used appropriately, according to the groups of students involved. **
 * ** Mobile learning can be a useful add-on tool for students with special needs. However, for SMS and MMS this might be dependent on the students’ specific disabilities or difficulties involved. **
 * ** Good IT support is needed. **
 * ** Mobile learning can be used as a ‘hook’ to re-engage disaffected youth. **
 * **It is necessary to have enough devices for classroom use .**

= =

= Challenges =


 * //__Technical challenges include__//**
 * ** Connectivity and battery life **
 * ** Screen size and key size
 * ** Ability for authors to visualize mobile phones for delivery **
 * ** Possibilities to meet required [[bandwidth] for nonstop/fast streaming ** * ** Number of file/assets' formats supported by a specific device ** * ** Content security or copyright issue from authoring group ** * ** Multiple standards, multiple screen sizes, multiple operating systems ** * ** Reworking existing e-Learning materials for mobile platforms ** * **//__Social and educational challenges include__//**** Accessibility and cost barriers for end users:Digital divide . *** ** How to assess learning outside the classroom *** ** How to support learning across many contexts *** ** Content's security (or) pirating issues *** ** Frequent changes in device models/technologies/functionality etc *** ** Developing an appropriate theory of learning for the mobile age *** ** Conceptual differences between e- and m-learning *** ** Design of technology to support a lifetime of learning *T** racking of results and proper use of this information * **** No restriction on learning timetable * **** Personal and private information and content * **** No demographic boundary * **** Disruption of students' personal and academic lives * ** ** Access to and use of the technology in developing countries Masters, K. (2005). [|"Low-key m-learning: a realistic introduction of m-learning to developing countries"]. [|//Seeing, Understanding, Learning in the Mobile Age//]. Budapest, Hungary, April 2005 . [] . **

= =

= Approaches =

= = = For blended learning = = = **See also :** **Blended Learning** Mobile learning can provide support that enhances training in a corporate business or other classroom environment. //__** Class management **__// **//__ Outdoor __//** **//__ At work __//** On the job training for someone who accesses training on a mobile device "just in time" to solve a problem or gain an update. Mobile technologies and approaches, i.e.Mobile Assisted LanguageLearning (MALL), are also used to assist in Language learning. For instance handheld computers, cell phones, but also podcasting have been used for helping people to acquire a language. ** //__ **Other** __//
 * The mobile phone (through text SMS notices) can be used especially for distance education or with students whose course requires them to be highly mobile and in particular to communicate information regarding availability of assignment results, venue changes and cancellations, etc. **
 * //__ Podcasting __//**
 * it consists of listening to audio recordings of lectures, and can be used to review live lectures and to provide opportunities for students to rehearse oral presentations. Podcasts may also provide supplemental information to enhance traditional lectures . **
 * Learning in museums or galleries with handheld or wearable technologies
 * Learning outdoors, for example on field trips.
 * Continuous learning and portable tools for military personnel.
 * //__ Life long learning and self-learning __//**
 * The use of personal technology to support informal or lifelong learning, such as using handheld dictionaries and other devices for language learning.
 * ** Improving levels of literacy, numeracy and participation in education amongst young adults. **
 * ** Using the communication features of a mobile phone as part of a larger learning activity (eg: sending media or texts into a central portfolio, or exporting audio files from a learning platform to your phone) **

= Technologies =

Mobile devices and personal technologies that can support mobile learning, include:
 * Personal Digital Assistant, in the classroom and outdoors
 * UMPC,mobile phone,cameraphone and SmartPhone.
 * Tablet PC
 * Personal audio player, e.g. for listening to audio recordings of lectures (podcasting)
 * Handheld audio and multimedia guides, in museums and galleries
 * E-book
 * Handheld game console, modern gaming consoles such as Sony PSP or Nintendo DS

= Future Learning =

There is nothing new about the belief that the modern learner’s needs are not being met by the most efficient methods. Spender and Stewart (2002) indicate that if educational organisations are to survive, they must move from a didactic to a more student-centred approach to learning, which is commonly referred to as the didactic teacher moving form the ‘…sage on the stage to a guide on the side’ (McCown & Driscoll 1995). Knowles (1984) presented two learning theories, which he called pedagogy and andragogy. He describes pedagogy as the art of teaching children, while andragogy is the art of assisting adults in the learning process. Assumptions from the andragogical model include that learners need to know why they need to learn; they want to know its value in advance; they want to be responsible for their own learning, and they have a task or problem-centred orientation to learning. = Mobile Learning youtube = = = = media type="file" key="Mobile learning (3 of 5) Java J2ME on Blackberry.flv" align="center" width="360" height="270" = = = = References =