What is mobile learning?

2/22/2010

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Mobile learning is learning happens when the learner is not at a fixed, predetermined location, or learning that happens when the learner takes advantage of the learning opportunities offered by mobile technologies. In other words mobile learning decreases limitation of learning location with the mobility of general portable devices. Mobile has its privilege as well as its disadvantages; however, mobile learning is still a debate in k-12 education.
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Pros and Cons - Mobile Learning

2/21/2010

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Pros
  • One can access lessons and libraries from anywhere.
  • One can learn and access the learning system 24*7 without time limitation.
  • One can interacte with fellow students and instructors any place any time. 
  • Portability of a mobile device enables a student to take notes or enter data directly into the device.
  • Psychologically speaking, owning hand-held devices increases student motivation and deepens the commitment to using and learning with them. 
  • The course materials through mobile device with color and interactions will motivate students learn and practice.     
  • It's a more affordable device comparing with personal computer or other larger devices.    -    Each student can learn at his or her own pace - some student may be slower learners. The students who pick up things fast need not waste time going repeatedly through basic lessons.
  • It saves learning materials such as textbooks, papers and all other course related materials.
Cons
  •  There is the definite inconvenience of size, as the student has to learn while hunched over the small screen of a mobile devices.
  •   There is no denying that the storage capacities of mobile device are limited.
  • Anyone who has a mobile gadget knows that the short battery life and frequent changes of batteries are a great nuisance.
  • Add to this the absence of a common hardware platform; this makes it extremely difficult to develop content for use by all.
  •    Devices may become outdated quickly and students have to keep combating obsolescence.
  •   There is limited wireless bandwidth and chances are that it may further decrease with the number of users ever on the increase.
  •    Instead of learning, the students can be easily distracted from course related content to the other websites.  
  •    In the M-Learning venue, students are incapable of printing, simply because it requires a network connection. This is obviously not feasible in a number of real-life situations.
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