What is m-learning (mlearning)?

The term M-Learning or Mobile Learning refers to the use of handheld devices such as PDAs, mobile phones, laptops and any other handheld information technology device that many be use in teaching and learning.

Why m-learning? m-Learning is reaching a new kind of user through: Convenience: accessible from anywhere (bus, class, laundry room) to content including quizes, journal entries, balance sheets, learning games Collaboration: best learning takes place when we share and get immediate tips and feedback Portability: stacks of books are replaced by RAM with learning experices customized and connected (Reviwes and summaries chunked for on-the-go accesse) Compatibility: designed learning specially for mobile devices Engaging/Fun: combine gaming and learning for a more entertaing and effective experience.

Overview of m-learning

E-learning first emerged in the late 80s and in the 90s it moved from heavy desktops to laptops. Since then we have seen the processing power of handheld devices grow exponentially while becoming more affordable and even ubiquitous due to the demand for games, business communications, and in general the connected lifestyle of the wireless society. These things have oppened a new door to learning on the go whch we now call M-Learning.

What can we do with m-learning? Access documets or document libraries Access quizes and self-assessment as question or games Prticipate in lessons and tutorials Receive lectures archived or broacasted live Access to video clip or audio libraries Read asynchronous postings Exhibit student work Participate in virtual learning communites on the go

What technology is currently available for m-learning?

1. SMS: Short Message Service allows users to send/receive messages of up to 160 characters between mobile phones (text messaging).
2. MMS: Multmedia Messaging Service serves the same purpose as SMS but allows the inclusionof graphics.
3. WAP: An international protocol that allows users to access the internet via their WAP enabled mobile phones.
4. GPRS: An always on internet conneciton for mobile devices that provides greater speed of connection (171kb/s).
5. Buetooth: A short range wireless conneciton. This enables PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) to pass messages to and from other mobile devices.
6. 3G and 4G phones: By the end of the decade 4G (4th Generation mobile phones) will provide upto 100 megabits per second transmissions adequate for multimedia.
7. PDAs: Personal Digital Assistants have evolved to mini PCs able to carry out many of the basic functions of a larger PC using the Palm OS or MS Pocket PC operating system.
8. MP3s: Audio file format that efficiently compresses files and enables them to be shared.
9. CAMs: Video cameras now embedded into mobile phone and PDAs.

Benerfits of m-learning Interaction: Student interaction with instructors and among each other. Portability: PDAs are lighter than books and enable the student to take notes or input data directly into the device regardless of location either typed, handwritten or using voice. Collaborative: Enables several students work together on assignments even while at distant locations. Engaging learners: The new generation likes mobile devices such as PDAs, phones and games devices. Increase motivation: Owner ship of the handheld devices seems to increase commitment to using and learning from it. Bridging of the digital divide: Since handhelds are more affordable than larger systems they are accessible to a larger percentage of the population. Just-in-time learning: Increases work/learning performance and relevance to the learner. May assist learners with some disabilities.

• Small screens of mobile phones and PDAs
• Limited storage capacities in PDAs
• Battery life/charge
• Lack of common operating system
• Lack of common hardware platform make it difficult to develop content for all.
• Less robust
• Still difficult to use moving graphics
• Limited potential for expansion with some devices
• Devices can become out of date quickly
• Wireless bandwidth is limited and may degrade with a larger number of users
• Difficulties with printing, unless connected to a network
  

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