M-LEARNING
M-learning
or mobile learning is defined as "learning across multiple contexts,
through social and content interactions, using personal electronic devices.” A
form of distance education, m-learners use mobile device educational technology
at their time convenience. M-learning technologies include handheld computers,
MP3 players, notebooks, mobile phones and tablets. Using mobile tools for
creating learning aids and materials becomes an important part of informal
learning.
E-Learning
has provided the ability for traditional learning to break out of the classroom
setting and for students to learn at home. Mobile learning has enhanced upon
e-learning by taking it a step further and allowing students to learn virtually
anywhere a mobile signal is available.
Approaches
1. Classroom
Classroom
applications combine the use of handheld computers, PDAs, and smartphones. Mobile
devices (such as a Pocket PC) in the classroom can be used to enhance group
collaboration among students through communication applications, interactive
displays, and video features. Mobile Device features with WIFI
capabilities allow for on-demand access to information. This
information provides a continuum for learning inside and outside the classroom.
It facilitates
online interaction between instructor and student, and student to student.
2. At work
M-learning
in a workplace can be very different from a school's context. Although
employees do occasionally attend face to face training events, the majority of
work-based learning happens on the job, often at the moment of need. Mobile
is seen as an effective way to reach a large number of employees easier and
more effectively.
3. Lifelong learning and self-learning
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, and podcasting have been used to help people acquire and develop
language skills.
4.
Other
Mobile
learning can improve levels of literacy, numeracy, and participation in
education amongst young adults. It can use to develop
workforce skills and readiness among youth and young adults.
Benefits of M-learning
Easy access : Mobile learning provides easy access to the learning at any place and any time, which is more convenient to the learners. Learners have an advantage of spending their free time during travelling, in between meetings or during weekends to focus on subject they want to learn.
Collaborative Learning : M-learning encourages collaborative learning allowing the learners at different locations to get in touch with their peers or others teams to discuss and learn.
Learner engagement : Mobile learning is another platform to be engaged in training. Training at the work place consists of mostly verbal and desktop communication, but adapting mobile learning can bring several opportunities to engage the learner on a digital and social level outside of the work.
Self-Pace Learning : No two learners are the same. Each one has their own way of understanding the content or strategies to learn. With mobile learning, learners are now able to learn in their own style at their own pace.
Limitations of M-learning
Connectivity : There may be some connectivity problems while uploading and downloading of data and because of poor mobile network signals.
Screen size : As the screen size is too small, it can strain the eyes of the learners if they use it for long period of time. Also only less information or just the gist of content can be provided due to size constraints.
Device : Learners must possess the mobile device that is supporting the courseware and this device may be expensive. As technology keeps changing at a rapid rate, these devices should be upgraded frequently. In addition to the cost of these devices, there are monthly data charges from mobile network providers; so downloading large content not only takes time but also costs a lot.
Distraction : While accessing the course through mobiles, if the learner gets a call or SMS or social media updates, then they are bound to get distracted.
The
popularity of mobile technologies among students is increasing dramatically. Although
students still rate laptops as the most important devices to their academic
success, the importance of mobile devices such as tablets, smartphones and
e-book readers is noticeably on the rise. Students are more engaged and
motivated to learn when they use mobile devices, and research shows that
academic performances can improve. At Shanghai Jiaotong University, researchers
and developers actively seek technologic interventions that can greatly
increase interactivity in large blended classes. They developed a cutting-edge
mobile learning system that can deliver live broadcasts of real-time classroom
teaching to students with mobile devices. Their system allows students to
customize means of content-reception based on when and where they tune into the
broadcast. The system also supports short text messaging and instant polls.
Through these venues, students can ask questions and make suggestions in real
time, and the instructor can address them immediately. We as educators need to
take note of this, and look for safe, productive ways to integrate mobile
learning devices into our curriculums.
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. Possible
future applications for mobile learning include location based learning,
augmented reality, wearable learning, learning implants, and ambient
intelligence. Advancements in mobile learning will require a change from
traditional classroom pedagogical approaches to a digital pedagogical approach
that will suit mobile learners.
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