=== Introduction to M-Learning ===
M-learning can be defined as learning that is mediated by mobile devices such as mobile phones, personal data assistants, handhelds, wearable devices and laptops (Doherty, 2003). These devices are used to deliver a wide range of educational content and functions to users. The services offered through these devices enable students to access educational content without having to deal with many of the time restraints and burdens associated with aditional learning methods.
The current popularity of M-learning can be attributed to its capacity to provide individuals with a significant amount of learning material with personal and flexible functionalities. The advantage that M-learning provides students comes primarily in "...the ability to perform training and assessment tasks using any device connected to any network" (Wilson, E. 2005, P.5). By utilizing the capabilities of wireless electronic devises, M-learning does not require the physicallity of traditional classrooms or the constant reliance on connection to a specific network associated with many E-Learning activities. Due to these advances in mobility and accessibility, educational resources can now be modeled to cater the needs of an individuals whose schedules do not allow them to set aside large blocks of time for educational pursuits (Rushby, N. 2005,p. 709).
Such developments have led many invision the development of "...new strategies, practises, tools, applications and resources to realise the promise of ubiquitous, pervasive, personal, and connected learning... respond[ing] to the on-demand learning interests�? (Wagner, E D. 2005, p. 40-53). According to Wagner, “…Mobile learning represents the next step in a long tradition of technology-mediated learning�? (Wagner, E D. 2005, p. 40-53). Others view M-learning as not only a new resource for education, but a potential catalyst for new methods of learning, “mobile learning is not only a new technology; it is also an exponent of new modes of learning�? (Blom, J. 2005, p.28).
Prior to the mobile learning era, the electronic education sector was composed almost entirely of electronic learning or E-Learning resources. The major attribute which distinguishes M-learning from E-learning is that of mobility. While E-learning has shifted individuals out of the four walls of a classroom, “it is still primarily delivered to a fixed terminal via the internet or an intranet�? (Garfoot, A. 2004, P.18-21). M-learning, by comparison, enables access to educational resources outside of the classroom and provides these resources through highly transportable wireless electronic devices.
As noted, some of the mobile learning devices used include cell phones, lap top computers, personal digital assistants (PDA’s), Mobile Phones, Ipods, MP3 players and other hand held digital devices. These devices have enabled learning material previously available only in static locations to be accessible to users whose locations are constantly changing. The use of these mobile devices in learning is said to provide students with “new opportunities…to be more intensely connected, either face to face or at a distance, extending one's learning community to friends, teachers, mentors, parents, and beyond…�? (Roschelle, J. et al. 2005, p. 159). From a technical perspective, many of these technologies allow for the delivery of “…audio material, one-on-one and group discussion in real time using voice or text messaging, and delivery of text, image, and computer files as attachments�? (Clyde, L A. 2004, p. 45).
One of the key attributes of these devices is their ability to perform several functions simultaneously. As a result, it is possible to program and run relatively advanced educational programs on these devices while maintaining their intended functionality. While many of these devices, such as mobile phones, may seem to be an educational resource of very limited capacity, many have the technology necessary to facilitate listening, observing, imitating, questioning, reflecting, estimating, predicting, hypothesising and practicing functions (Edwards, R. 2005, p.52).
A relatively recent addtion to the M-learning spectrum is that of digital music devices such as Apple's Ipod. The IPod is essentially a portable MP3 player which is simple to use yet has a storage capacity equivalent to that of some laptop computers. While the Ipod is still relatively new to the market, M-Learning content is already being developed specifically for Ipod devices. The latest generation of devices are able to handle a wide range of digital file formats. Recent developments of specific interest to the educational community are the devices' ability to store and play a range of audio/video files and the opportunities provided by the rise of podcasting.
Massy has classified mobile learners as “…a community of individuals that individually and collectively are learning together regardless of where they are or their physical relations to one another�? (Massy, J. 2005, p.12). M-learners have the ability to “learn from the world and capture and share ideas from all sorts of places, spaces, events and encounters.�? This builds on the idea that mobile learning overcomes barriers for those separated by huge distances and can be used to cater for "...rapid, just-in-time learning, fuelled by feedback and the capability of shared and multi-way communications�? (Billings, D M. 2005, p.343).
The last couple decades have produced a surge of development in the areas of communication networks, digital information systems, and mobile devices. These technologies have not only made on-the-go communication possible, but also information sharing, training and learning. Mobile devices are the new tool of choice to educate professionals in the field, and many organisations are now using these technologies to support their existing staff training infrastructure. Companies are looking at ways in which to “link learning with organisational priorities, productivity and business objectives�? (Von Koschembahr, 2005, p. 40-43). M-learning enables corporations to address sales challenges concerned with cost savings, providing enhanced customer service, and offering better selling opportunities and it allows workers to learn on the job, and get into the field more quickly. Although it enables corporations to address these challenges, Emily Hollis (2004) suggests that some organisations are more prepared for M-learning than others, “High tech companies with plenty of experience using technology-based training solutions can adapt more easily to m-learning than low-tech companies".
Education and training institutions, especially tertiary institutions, have also been affected by the introduction of these mobile technologies. Wood (2003) explains that “mobile devices are useful in education both as administration, organisation and teaching aids for practitioners, and also as learning support tools for students�?. A high percentage of youth have access to these mobile technologies in a number of societies across the globe. Immediacy has increasingly become the norm in these societies, and mobile technologies help support this new standard within education and training institutions as it enables access to learning materials on demand, allows instant communication with teachers/tutors and supports the potential for immediate feedback.
=== See Also ===
==== References ====
Australian Flexible Learning Framework, E-Learning in Action [Online], Available: http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au (accessed August 27, 2005)
Billings, D M. (2005) “From teaching to learning in a mobile, wireless world,�? Journal of Nursing Education vol. 44, no.8, pp.343.
Birkbeck University of London. (2005) "Glossary of Terms" [Online], Available: http://www.bbk.ac.uk/ccs/elearn/glossary.htm (accessed September 8, 2005)
Blom, J. (2005) “Mobile Learning 2005�?, papers presented to the International Association for Development of the Information Society international conference, Qwara, Malta, 28-30 Jun.
Clyde, L A. (2004) “M-learning,�? Teacher Librarian vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 45.
Doherty, C. (2003) "IT goes top of the class," Birbeck University of London Press Releases October 8, 2003. http://www.bbk.ac.uk/news/prarchive/infotech.html (accessed October 26, 2005).
Edwards, R. (2005) "Knowledge Sharing for the Mobile Workforce," May 2005. http://www.clomedia.com (accessed August 15, 2005)
Garfoot, A. (2004) “Takeaway learning,�? IT Training pp. 18-21.
Hollis, E. (2004). “Mobile Learning: The Next Wave for Training and Education,�? Chief Learning Officer. March 17, 2004. http://www.clomedia.com/content/templates/clo_nl_execbriefs_content.asp?articleid=429&zoneid=101# (Accessed 30 August 2005).
Massy, Jane (2005). "Learning on the Move", E-Learning Age July, August 2005, pp. 12-13.
Roschelle, J. Sharples, M. et al. (2005) “Introduction to the special issue on wireless and mbile technologies in education,�? Journal of Computer Assisted Learning vol 21., no3, pp 159.
Rushby, N. (2005) “M-learning,�? British Journal of Educational Technology vol.36, no. 5, pp. 709.
Von Koschembahr, C. (2005). “Mobile Learning: The Next Evolution of Education,�? Chief Learning Officer vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 40-43.
Von Koschembahr, C. (2005). "Optimizing your sales workforce through Mobile Learning," Learning Circuits. April 2005. http://www.learningcircuits.org/2005/apr2005/vonKoschembahr.htm (Accessed 30 August 2005).
Wagner, E D. (2005) “Enabling Mobile Learning,�? Educause Review vol. 40, no3, pp. 40-53.
Wilson, E. (2005) “Why mobile e-learning fails to make a move,�? The Age no. 1, pp. 5.
Wood, K. (2004). "Technolgy for E-Learning: Introduction to Mobile Learning (M-Learning)," Ferl first.
http://ferl.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?page=65&catid=192&resid=5194&printable=1 (Accessed 30 August 2005).
==== Contributors to this Entry Include ====
Nadine chambers 10:32, 6 Sep 2005 (EST)
Anna Massie 11:57, 9 Sep 2005 (EST)--
Jasmine McCormack 12:02, 9 Sep 2005 (EST)
Michael chappelow 02:41, 26 Oct 2005 (EST)
