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.