The future of m-Learning

Mobile learning is a new frontier in long-distance learning. As in all new fields there are still a lot of things to discover and try out.

The idea of being able to optimize our time and of always having a device at hand that enables us to study at any moment during the day is indeed very interesting.

The topic becomes even more interesting the moment in which it is possible to use mobile
technology, such as Flash Lite, integrated with software, such as Captivate or Flex, that allows us to create rich and interactive content and to involve the learner.

As Benjamin Franklin said: Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

So what will be the m-learning environment of the future?

Here are a few ideas:

• It is in a very early stage of development so it can’t be identified yet.
• Learning games about geometry have potential for m-learning.
• Collaborative activity with mobile terminal (such as Nokia communicator) could be a mobile learning environment but this has limitations when compared with a fixed terminal.
• There may be parallels with the portable C8 devices issued at museums or art galleries (as used in UK).
• There may also be implications from the fact that only wealthy people have sophisticated mobile phones.
• Additional problems need consideration, for example, wireless communication blacks out when travelling (when a train is going into tunnel).

What would we like to see happen in the future?

• Finnish Defence Forces representatives saw difficulties in identifying their requirements but they are actively looking into it. They have a project currently running up until 2012. They are also, putting in a Learning Portal, as the Army traditionally “learns by doing.”
• “Instant Messaging”, Swedish youth’s want to combine this with mobile phones at a more sophisticated level than is available today.
• Content of learning? Reading is still the main medium but it can be supported by video, animation etc.. However this can’t be done well through WAP Phones.
• Swedish Teachers can get extra time off in their holiday if they can show they have done private time study during their working term. How can e-learning be incorporated into this as they are not traditionally “course” orientated?
• Easier access to small learning objects. What is the real driver for this?
• Counter argument is the “Learning Objects” actually distorts the concept. Learning should not be so heavily orientated towards content.
• M-learning needs to get away from the current “Course” mentality.
• Do we need a better definition of what “Learning” really is about? Is there confusion between knowledge, learning, understanding etc..

Learning Lifestyler

• Do we need a better understanding of where Learning fits in to an individual’s lifestyle and actual requirements?
• The first thing to consider is the “Need” and then look at the “Environment” where the learning is to be carried out.
• The connection between “Knowledge Management” and “Learning” should be considered in the design of delivery system.
• “Mobility” should refer to a situation where no other access point to a learning source is available. m-learning will probably be a standby secondary tool for learning.
• Language training is probably a good application for genuine m-learning. It may not need a very sophisticated display, as a good audio link and basic text should be okay. The “Content” is very important for language learning and audio is primary medium.
• For t-learning, looking at divorcing learning from technology in order to learn. Exactly how much interactivity is required? No research data seems available on this aspect of the value of interactivity vs. content.
• What do mobile people actually want to access? Is there sufficient motivation to “learn on the run”?
• Is mobile voice quality good enough for high level language training? Experience in California (University of California) suggests that Internet technology is perfectly adequate.