M-learning
Encyclopedia
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 devices. 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. In other words mobile learning decreases limitation of learning location with the mobility of general portable devices.
The term covers: learning with portable technologies including but not limited to handheld computers, MP3 players, notebooks and mobile phones. M-learning focuses on the mobility of the learner, interacting with portable technologies, and learning that reflects a focus on how society and its institutions can accommodate and support an increasingly mobile population. There is also a new direction in MLearning that adds mobility of the instructor and includes creation of learning materials "on-the-spot, "in the field" using predominately smartphone
with special software such as AHG Cloud Note. Using mobile tools for creating learning aides and materials becomes an important part of informal learning
.
M-learning is convenient in that it is accessible from virtually anywhere. M-Learning, like other forms of E-learning, is also collaborative; sharing is almost instantaneous among everyone using the same content, which leads to the reception of instant feedback and tips. M-Learning also brings strong portability by replacing book
s and notes with small RAM
s, filled with tailored learning contents. In addition, it is simple to utilize mobile learning for a more effective and entertaining experience.
released a series of language lessons on wax cylinders. This was followed up in later years as technology improved, to cover compact cassette tapes, 8 track tape, and CDs
and his colleagues in the Learning Research Group at Xerox Palo Alto Research Center [PARC] propose the Dynabook
as a book-sized computer to run dynamic simulations for learning. Their interim Dynabooks are the first networked workstations
Tucson, Arizona, use mobile computers connected by wireless networks for the 'Wireless Coyote' project. Universities in Europe and Asia develop and evaluate mobile learning for students. Palm corporation offers grants to universities and companies who create and test the use of Mobile Learning on the PalmOS platform. Knowledgility creates the first mobile learning modules for CCNA, A+ and MCSE certification using the core tools that later became LMA.
Companies were formed that specialize in three core areas of mobile learning.
Conferences and trade shows were created to specifically deal with mobile learning and handheld education, including: mLearn
, WMUTE, and IADIS Mobile Learning
international conference series, ICML in Jordan, Mobile Learning in Malaysia, Handheld Learning in London, SALT Mobile in USA.
--Tutors commented on the value of mobile learning as follows.
Social and educational challenges include:
Current areas of growth include:
According to a report by Ambient Insight in 2008, "the US market for Mobile Learning products and services is growing at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.7% and revenues reached $538 million in 2007. The data indicate that the demand is relatively immune from the recession." The findings of the report indicate that the largest demand throughout the forecast
period is for custom development services, content conversion, and media services and that the
healthcare sector accounts for 20% of the total US market for mobile learning.
While many think of mobile learning as delivering eLearning on small form factor devices, or often referred to as eLearning “lite”, it has the potential to do much more than deliver courses, or parts of courses. It includes the use of mobile/handheld devices to perform any of the following:
Today, any number of portable devices can quickly and easily deliver and support these functions. Cell or smartphone
s, multi-game devices, personal media players (PMPs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), or wireless single-purpose devices can help deliver coaching and mentoring
, conduct assessments and evaluations (e.g., quiz
zes; tests; survey
s/polls; and certifications), provide on-the-job support and access to information, education and references, and deliver podcast
s, update alerts, forms and checklists. In these ways, mobile learning can enhance and support more traditional learning modes, making it more portable and accessible. Mobile devices can also serve as powerful data collection tools and facilitate the capture of user created content
.
New mobile technology, such as hand-held cellular based devices, is playing a large role in redefining how we receive information. The recent advances in mobile technology are changing the primary purpose of mobile devices from making or receiving calls to retrieving the latest information on any subject. "Numerous agencies including the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Intelligence community, and law enforcement are utilizing mobile technology are utilizing mobile technology for information management."
Class management:
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. It can also be of value to business people e.g. sales representatives who do not wish to waste time away from their busy schedules to attend formal training events.
Podcasting:
Podcasting
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 .
Psychological research suggests that university students who download podcast lectures achieve substantially higher exam results than those who attend the lecture in person, but only in cases in which students take notes
.
Podcasts maybe be delivered using syndication, although it should be noted that this method of delivery is not always easily adopted .
Mobile technologies and approaches, i.e. Mobile Assisted Language Learning
(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.
Technical and delivery support for mobile learning:
Authoring:
Distance education
Distance education or distance learning is a field of education that focuses on teaching methods and technology with the aim of delivering teaching, often on an individual basis, to students who are not physically present in a traditional educational setting such as a classroom...
, it is distinct in its focus on learning across contexts and learning with mobile devices. 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. In other words mobile learning decreases limitation of learning location with the mobility of general portable devices.
The term covers: learning with portable technologies including but not limited to handheld computers, MP3 players, notebooks and mobile phones. M-learning focuses on the mobility of the learner, interacting with portable technologies, and learning that reflects a focus on how society and its institutions can accommodate and support an increasingly mobile population. There is also a new direction in MLearning that adds mobility of the instructor and includes creation of learning materials "on-the-spot, "in the field" using predominately smartphone
Smartphone
A smartphone is a high-end mobile phone built on a mobile computing platform, with more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary feature phone. The first smartphones were devices that mainly combined the functions of a personal digital assistant and a mobile phone or camera...
with special software such as AHG Cloud Note. Using mobile tools for creating learning aides and materials becomes an important part of informal learning
Informal learning
Informal learning is one of three forms of learning defined by the OECD. The other two are formal and non-formal learning. Informal learning occurs in a variety of places, such as at home, work, and through daily interactions and shared relationships among members of society. For many learners this...
.
M-learning is convenient in that it is accessible from virtually anywhere. M-Learning, like other forms of E-learning, is also collaborative; sharing is almost instantaneous among everyone using the same content, which leads to the reception of instant feedback and tips. M-Learning also brings strong portability by replacing book
Book
A book is a set or collection of written, printed, illustrated, or blank sheets, made of hot lava, paper, parchment, or other materials, usually fastened together to hinge at one side. A single sheet within a book is called a leaf or leaflet, and each side of a leaf is called a page...
s and notes with small RAM
Ram
-Animals:*Ram, an uncastrated male sheep*Ram cichlid, a species of freshwater fish endemic to Colombia and Venezuela-Military:*Battering ram*Ramming, a military tactic in which one vehicle runs into another...
s, filled with tailored learning contents. In addition, it is simple to utilize mobile learning for a more effective and entertaining experience.
Pre-1970s
Arguably the first instance of mobile learning goes back as far as 1901 when LinguaphoneLinguaphone (company)
Linguaphone is a global language training provider, and has over 108 years in providing self-study language courses.Part of the Linguaphone Group, Linguaphone’s portfolio of self-study language products are sold in over 60 countries worldwide...
released a series of language lessons on wax cylinders. This was followed up in later years as technology improved, to cover compact cassette tapes, 8 track tape, and CDs
CDS
-Computing and electronics:* Cadence Design Systems, American Electronic Design Automation software company* Chromatography data system, software to control chromatography instruments* Cockpit display system* Compact Discs...
1970s, 1980s
Alan KayAlan Kay
Alan Curtis Kay is an American computer scientist, known for his early pioneering work on object-oriented programming and windowing graphical user interface design, and for coining the phrase, "The best way to predict the future is to invent it."He is the president of the Viewpoints Research...
and his colleagues in the Learning Research Group at Xerox Palo Alto Research Center [PARC] propose the Dynabook
Dynabook
The Dynabook concept, created by Alan Kay in 1968, described what is now known as a laptop computer or a tablet or slate computer with nearly eternal battery life and software aimed at giving children access to digital media...
as a book-sized computer to run dynamic simulations for learning. Their interim Dynabooks are the first networked workstations
1990s
In May 1991, Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow (ACOT) in partnership with Orange Grove Middle School ofTucson, Arizona, use mobile computers connected by wireless networks for the 'Wireless Coyote' project. Universities in Europe and Asia develop and evaluate mobile learning for students. Palm corporation offers grants to universities and companies who create and test the use of Mobile Learning on the PalmOS platform. Knowledgility creates the first mobile learning modules for CCNA, A+ and MCSE certification using the core tools that later became LMA.
2000s
The European Commission funds the major multi-national MOBIlearn and M-Learning projects.Companies were formed that specialize in three core areas of mobile learning.
- Authoring and publishing
- Delivery and Tracking
- Content Development
Conferences and trade shows were created to specifically deal with mobile learning and handheld education, including: mLearn
MLearn
mLearn is the short name for the World Conference on Mobile and Contextual Learning, a series of mobile learning conferences that has been running annually since 2002.Past conferences have been held in the following locations:* mLearn 2002, Birmingham, UK...
, WMUTE, and IADIS Mobile Learning
IADIS Mobile Learning
IADIS Mobile Learning is an international conference series, hosted in Europe. This conference series was inaugurated in Malta in 2005 and is the longest standing annual international mobile learning conference after MLearn...
international conference series, ICML in Jordan, Mobile Learning in Malaysia, Handheld Learning in London, SALT Mobile in USA.
Value
The value of mobile learning--Tutors commented on the value of mobile learning as follows.
- 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 bandwidthBandwidth (computing)In computer networking and computer science, bandwidth, network bandwidth, data bandwidth, or digital bandwidth is a measure of available or consumed data communication resources expressed in bits/second or multiples of it .Note that in textbooks on wireless communications, modem data transmission,...
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 divideDigital divideThe Digital Divide refers to inequalities between individuals, households, business, and geographic areas at different socioeconomic levels in access to information and communication technologies and Internet connectivity and in the knowledge and skills needed to effectively use the information...
. - 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
- Tracking 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
Growth
Over the past ten years mobile learning has grown from a minor research interest to a set of significant projects in schools, workplaces, museums, cities and rural areas around the world. The mLearning community is still fragmented, with different national perspectives, differences between academia and industry, and between the school, higher education and lifelong learning sectors.Current areas of growth include:
- Testing, surveys, job aids and just-in-time (J.I.T.) learning
- Location-based and contextual learning
- Social-networked mobile learning
- Mobile educational gaming
- Deliver M-Learning to cellular phones using two way SMS messaging and voice-based CellCasting (podcasting to phones with interactive assessments)
According to a report by Ambient Insight in 2008, "the US market for Mobile Learning products and services is growing at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.7% and revenues reached $538 million in 2007. The data indicate that the demand is relatively immune from the recession." The findings of the report indicate that the largest demand throughout the forecast
period is for custom development services, content conversion, and media services and that the
healthcare sector accounts for 20% of the total US market for mobile learning.
Future
Technologies currently being researched for mobile learning include:- Location aware learning
- Point-and-shoot learning with camera phones and 2D codes
- Near Field Communications (NFC) secure transactions
- Sensors and accelerometers in mobile devices in behavioral based learning
- Mobile content creation (including user generated content)
- Games and simulation for learning on mobile devices
- Context-aware ubiquitous learning
- Augmented reality on mobile devices
Delivery
- Deliver Education/Learning
- Foster Communications/Collaboration
- Conduct Assessments/Evaluations
- Provide Access to Performance Support/Knowledge
- Capture Evidence of Learning Activity
Today, any number of portable devices can quickly and easily deliver and support these functions. Cell or smartphone
Smartphone
A smartphone is a high-end mobile phone built on a mobile computing platform, with more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary feature phone. The first smartphones were devices that mainly combined the functions of a personal digital assistant and a mobile phone or camera...
s, multi-game devices, personal media players (PMPs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), or wireless single-purpose devices can help deliver coaching and mentoring
Mentoring
Mentorship refers to a personal developmental relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps a less experienced or less knowledgeable person....
, conduct assessments and evaluations (e.g., quiz
Quiz
A quiz is a form of game or mind sport in which the players attempt to answer questions correctly. In some countries, a quiz is also a brief assessment used in education and similar fields to measure growth in knowledge, abilities, and/or skills.Quizzes are usually scored in points and many...
zes; tests; survey
Statistical survey
Survey methodology is the field that studies surveys, that is, the sample of individuals from a population with a view towards making statistical inferences about the population using the sample. Polls about public opinion, such as political beliefs, are reported in the news media in democracies....
s/polls; and certifications), provide on-the-job support and access to information, education and references, and deliver podcast
Podcast
A podcast is a series of digital media files that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication...
s, update alerts, forms and checklists. In these ways, mobile learning can enhance and support more traditional learning modes, making it more portable and accessible. Mobile devices can also serve as powerful data collection tools and facilitate the capture of user created content
User-generated content
User generated content covers a range of media content available in a range of modern communications technologies. It entered mainstream usage during 2005 having arisen in web publishing and new media content production circles...
.
New mobile technology, such as hand-held cellular based devices, is playing a large role in redefining how we receive information. The recent advances in mobile technology are changing the primary purpose of mobile devices from making or receiving calls to retrieving the latest information on any subject. "Numerous agencies including the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Intelligence community, and law enforcement are utilizing mobile technology are utilizing mobile technology for information management."
Approaches
In the classroom
- Students using handheld computers, PDAPDAA PDA is most commonly a Personal digital assistant, also known as a Personal data assistant, a mobile electronic device.PDA may also refer to:In science, medicine and technology:...
s, smartphoneSmartphoneA smartphone is a high-end mobile phone built on a mobile computing platform, with more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary feature phone. The first smartphones were devices that mainly combined the functions of a personal digital assistant and a mobile phone or camera...
s or handheld voting systems (such as clickers) in a classroom or lecture room . - Students using mobile devices(such as a Pocket PC) in the classroom to enhance group collaboration among students and instructors.
For blended learning
Mobile learning can provide support that enhances training in a corporate business or other classroom environment.Class management:
The mobile phone (through text SMS
SMS
SMS is a form of text messaging communication on phones and mobile phones. The terms SMS or sms may also refer to:- Computer hardware :...
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. It can also be of value to business people e.g. sales representatives who do not wish to waste time away from their busy schedules to attend formal training events.
Podcasting:
Podcasting
Podcasting
A podcast is a series of digital media files that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication...
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 .
Psychological research suggests that university students who download podcast lectures achieve substantially higher exam results than those who attend the lecture in person, but only in cases in which students take notes
Notetaking
Notetaking is the practice of recording information captured from a transient source, such as an oral discussion at a meeting, or a lecture. Notes of a meeting are usually called minutes. The format of the initial record may often be informal and/or unstructured. One common format for such notes is...
.
Podcasts maybe be delivered using syndication, although it should be noted that this method of delivery is not always easily adopted .
Outdoor
- 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.
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.
Lifelong 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.Mobile technologies and approaches, i.e. Mobile Assisted Language Learning
Mobile Assisted Language Learning
-Definition:Mobile Assisted Language Learning describes an approach to language learning that is assisted or enhanced through the use of a handheld mobile device....
(MALL), are also used to assist in language learning. For instance handheld computers, cell phones, but also podcasting
Podcasting
A podcast is a series of digital media files that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication...
have been used for helping people to acquire a language.
Other
- 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 (e.g.: 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:- E-bookE-bookAn electronic book is a book-length publication in digital form, consisting of text, images, or both, and produced on, published through, and readable on computers or other electronic devices. Sometimes the equivalent of a conventional printed book, e-books can also be born digital...
- Handheld audio and multimedia guidesAudio tourAn audio tour or audio guide provides a recorded spoken commentary, normally through a handheld device, to a visitor attraction such as a museum. They are also available for self-guided tours of outdoor locations, or as a part of an organised tour. It provides background, context, and information...
, in museums and galleries - Handheld game consoleHandheld game consoleA handheld game console is a lightweight, portable electronic device with a built-in screen, game controls and speakers. Handheld game consoles are run on machines of small size allowing people to carry them and play them at any time or place...
, modern gaming consoles such as Sony PSP or Nintendo DS - Personal audio player, e.g. for listening to audio recordings of lectures (podcastingPodcastingA podcast is a series of digital media files that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication...
) - Personal Digital AssistantPersonal digital assistantA personal digital assistant , also known as a palmtop computer, or personal data assistant, is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager. Current PDAs often have the ability to connect to the Internet...
, in the classroom and outdoors - Tablet computerTablet computerA tablet computer, or simply tablet, is a complete mobile computer, larger than a mobile phone or personal digital assistant, integrated into a flat touch screen and primarily operated by touching the screen...
- UMPC, mobile phoneMobile phoneA mobile phone is a device which can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link whilst moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile network operator...
, camera phoneCamera phoneA camera phone is a mobile phone which is able to capture still photographs . Since early in the 21st century the majority of mobile phones in use are camera phones....
and SmartPhoneSmartphoneA smartphone is a high-end mobile phone built on a mobile computing platform, with more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary feature phone. The first smartphones were devices that mainly combined the functions of a personal digital assistant and a mobile phone or camera...
Technical and delivery support for mobile learning:
- 3GP3GP3GP is a multimedia container format defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project for 3G UMTS multimedia services. It is used on 3G mobile phones but can also be played on some 2G and 4G phones....
For compression and delivery method of audiovisual content associated with Mobile Learning - GPRS mobile data service, provides high speed connection and data transfer rate
- Wi-FiWi-FiWi-Fi or Wifi, is a mechanism for wirelessly connecting electronic devices. A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone, or digital audio player, can connect to the Internet via a wireless network access point. An access point has a range of about 20...
gives access to instructors and resources via internet
Authoring:
- Learning Mobile Author, e.g. for authoring and publishing WAPWireless Application ProtocolWireless Application Protocol is a technical standard for accessing information over a mobile wireless network.A WAP browser is a web browser for mobile devices such as mobile phones that uses the protocol.Before the introduction of WAP, mobile service providers had limited opportunities to offer...
, Java MEJava Platform, Micro EditionJava Platform, Micro Edition, or Java ME, is a Java platform designed for embedded systems . Target devices range from industrial controls to mobile phones and set-top boxes...
and SmartphoneSmartphoneA smartphone is a high-end mobile phone built on a mobile computing platform, with more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary feature phone. The first smartphones were devices that mainly combined the functions of a personal digital assistant and a mobile phone or camera...
See also
- IAMLearnIAMLearnIAMLearn is the International Association for Mobile LearningIAMLearn is a membership organization to promote excellence in research, development and application of mobile and contextual learning...
- Instructional SimulationInstructional Simulation- Instructional simulation or virtual learning environment :An instructional simulation, also called an educational simulation, is a simulation of some type of reality but which also includes instructional elements that help a learner explore, navigate or obtain more information about that system...
- International Journal of Mobile and Blended LearningInternational Journal of Mobile and Blended LearningThe International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning is a peer-reviewed academic journal published by IGI Global.It is the partner journal of the International Association for Mobile Learning ....
- mHealthMHealthmHealth is a term used for the practice of medicine and public health, supported by mobile devices. The term is most commonly used in reference to using mobile communication devices, such as mobile phones and PDAs, for health services and information...
- Offline mobile learningOffline mobile learningOffline mobile learning refers to the ability to access learning materials on a mobile device without requiring an Internet connection.Generally, web-based applications functionalities are dependent on ability to access to the Web...
- SmartphoneSmartphoneA smartphone is a high-end mobile phone built on a mobile computing platform, with more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary feature phone. The first smartphones were devices that mainly combined the functions of a personal digital assistant and a mobile phone or camera...