Contents 1 CULTURAL DIVIDES 2 Economic Status 3 Communication 4 Cultural Customs 5 References

CULTURAL DIVIDES

As with any global phenomena, there are cultural barriers which affect the practice of M-Learning. M-Learning is not just about the mobility of technologies but is also about the interconnectedness of networks and the immediate availability of information in any given place. Its effectiveness as a concept relies on the widespread and frequent use of technologies, standardised global developments and constant communication. “the lack of access to technology and Information and communication technology in particular, is an acute problem. This problem is one of both resource and location and if this problem is to be solved, solutions must focus on making scarce resources cover as much ground as possible�?.(www3.telus.net/~kdeanna/mlearning/issues.htm) Also see M-learning -developing countries

Economic Status

The necessity of the availability of these technologies is restricted by the social and economic standards of many countries. In the western world, mobile phones and other personalised technologies are readily available and commonly acquired. However in other undeveloped nations, social economies do not have the power to sustain the industry. Technological devices are not available, and Mobile Learning is not able to be applied through either traditional institutionalised learning or education in everyday situations. This in turn increases already existing imbalances between nations.

Communication

“Communication is the source from which M-Learning emerges.�?(Nyiri, 2002) Language and communication barriers are inevitable in global circumstances. However, such barriers hinder the effectiveness and success of M-Learning by restricting communication between certain countries and languages. While bi-lingual modes are available on almost all mobile devices, technologies do have the ability to alter contexts and therefore do not have the ability to create accurate translations.

Cultural Customs

Accessibility to Mobile Learning is also hindered by the differing cultural customs of some countries. Restrictions placed upon minority groups within societies, and restrictions placed upon freedoms of and to press reduce accessibility to mobile learning technologies. In terms of global communication, such cultural customs must be considered. Certain language, images and subjects are considered offensive and are placed under restrictions. What is considered to be culturally valid and acceptable in one country is not necessarily considered the same way in another country.

References

Mobile Learning (2004) www3.telus.net/~kdeanna/mlearning/issues.htm, accessed 07 October 2005.

Essortment: Information you want and need to know (2005) http://ga.essortment.com/culturalcommuni_raxq.htm accessed 07 October 2005.

Nyiri, K. (2002) 'Towards a Philosophy of M-Learning' retrieved from http://21st.century.phil-inst.hu/eng/m-learning/nyiri_m-learn_philos.htm Accessed 15 October 2005.

Jasmine McCormack 11:28, 28 Oct 2005 (EST)