KOITALEEL SAMOEI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

(A constituent College of University of Nairobi)

TASK: GROUP 20 WORK

COURSE TITLE: DISTANCE EDUCATION
COURSE CODE: TCT 402

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INTRODUCTION

Merging issues refers to the new or evolving challenges trends or concerns that are beginning
to gain attention due to their potential impact on education. The emerging issues in distance
education reflect the opportunities and challenges created by rapid shift towards online and
hybrid learning environments. Some of the key issues that are currently emerging or evolving
in distance education are:

 Mobile learning
 Workplace learning
 Blended learning
 Home schooling

In this group we are going to discuss about mobile learning as one of the emerging issues in
distance education.

Mobile learning

Mobile learning often abbreviated as M-learning, refer to the educational practices of using
mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops to access learning materials and
engage in academic activities. This approach allows learners to access education at anytime and
anywhere, breaking away from the traditional classroom, bound model. The flexibility and
accessibility of mobile learning enables students to learn at their own pace and on their
schedule making it an ideal solution for continuous education in a fast paced connected world.
The mobile relies on these devices that enable learners to access educational content, interact
with instructors and peers, and engage in learning activities anywhere and anytime. These
devices are designed to be portable and versatile play crucial role in the flexibility and
accessibility of mobile learning environments. Below are some devices used in mobile learning.
Common characteristics of mobile learning

Mobile learning have been experimenting on a number of mobile learning characteristics. They
concluded that usability, collaboration, context, control, connectivity, mobility, content,
blending, technical support and cost are the common mobile learning characteristics. The
characteristics are discussed in detailed as followed.

a) Usability,

This relates to the using of mobile devices for learning purposes in respect to the screen size,
battery life, memory, processing power, compatible applications and user interface. According
to Koole, (2009) and Kukulska- Hulma, (2005)

Other than this basics usability issues added a number of other factors such as aesthetic appeal
of the device simplified display, customization option and the environment of the place.

b) Content,

Mobile learning content refers to the learning resources for Students in a format compatible
with mobile devices. Its development depends on: what kind of learning activities are required
for a specific learning scenario. Mobile learning content can be built by education providers
following in the individual institutional preferences.

c) Mobility.

Mobility is one of the core construct in the design of mobile learning system. Mobile learning is
so flexible and portable that is you can learn anytime within any environment.

Brown 2009, pull out that mobility is becoming a way of life as it has made mobile user keen to
access resources and turn them into implicit learners. He also recommends that mobility of the
devices should be exploited to enrich the learning experience for learners

d) Technical supports

Mobile learning is not possible without technical support for teachers and students. Chen et al,
(2010) suggested that the lack of appropriate technical and administrative support is one of the
biggest factors affecting the adoption of mobile learning. Technical support is also needed in
assessing and downloading learning resources.

e) Connectivity.

Connectivity In mobile learning refers to how mobile devices can connect wirelessly using a
variety of cellular and wireless assessed technology such as 3Gs, 4Gs, 5Gs GPS, EDGE and
others. Mobile connectivity includes voice telephone and internet, assess for data
transmissions. According to Koole (2009), connectivity as a mobile learning characteristics
relate to how effectively a learner can assess the required information of learning materials on
a mobile device. Connectivity enables mobile learning to be more ambitious and portable.
(Traxler, 2005

Advantages of mobile learning.

Mobile learning has overall advantages in distance, learning these advantages are

a) Collaboration and communication

Mobile learning enhances better collaboration and communication among peers and
instructors. Mobile learning also facilitate discussion, forums, Instant messaging, and social
media interaction allows for real-time interaction feedback and peer support.

b) Broader access to resources.

Learners and instructors can easily assess a wide array of resources. For instance, podcasts,
research articles, eBooks and videos. This enhances them with a wealth of information available
right at their own fingertips.

c) Flexibility and convenience.

Mobile learning offers flexibility enabling learners to assess material and complete coursework
on their schedule. Mobile learning convenience, help to fit education into visual lifestyle

d) Increased engagement.

Mobile learning together with multimedia and interactive apps leads to higher engagement
levels. Gamification And dynamic content in mobile learning, make learning to be more
enjoyable and effective.

e) Time management.

Time management can be an important issue in mobile learning, both for students and
institution. Student can use mobile devices to save time and improve their time management
skills. However poor time management can negatively impact academic success. Students can
use their time management skills to become more confident and organized and learn more
effective. Institutions can face challenges when Implementing mobile learning initiative,
including helping learners finds time to complete online training during work hours. The
present findings show that smartphone addition is negatively related to time management.
 Disadvantages of mobile learning
a) Lack of motivation.

Lack of motivation is an emerging issue in mobile learning. However, many researchers have
found that Mobile learning can enhance student motivation and achievement. Self-regulation
turned out to be one of the decisive internal factors influencing students motivation because
mobile learning requires participants to develop new learning habits. Lack of motivation affects
the gaining of knowledge and skills by students, even if they have the most understanding
abilities. Motivation, is the first condition for a completing, a learning task, and driving force
behind the educational mobile process.

b) Isolation and lack of social interaction.

The absence of physical presence in a classroom setting can lead to feeling of isolation among
mobile learners. The lack of face to face interaction with peers and instructors can diminish the
sense of community and support that is often found in traditional educational setting. To
address this challenge educators create opportunities for social interaction through visual study
groups, online discussion, boards and live video conferencing sessions, helping students feel
more connected and supported.
Conclusion

In conclusion, mobile is transforming education by providing more flexible, accessible and

engaging opportunities for learners. In order to include mobile learning in main stream
education, mobile learning design needs to be informed by a certain criteria. Therefore, the
criteria for mobile learning characteristics such as the usability of mobile devices for learning,
enhanced collaboration among peers and teachers, control over the learning process and
independence of learners, the cost involved in providing mobile learning different stakeholders
and mobile learning content design which include appropriate activities and application in
conjunction with the affordance of mobile devices. These characteristics are provided and
discussed above. Also the mobile has a number of advantages such as flexibility and
convenience, increased engagement personalized learning experience collaboration and
communication and also has many disadvantages and among them are digital divide,
technology limitation destructions and multitasking, overreliance on technology, screen size
and navigation issues as discussed above in detail.

Mobile learning is a robust mobile learning that enable seamless learning experiences on the go
with features that supports interactive content tracking learning progress and collaboration
among users. Making it practical solution in today’s mobile centric educational landscape.
 References
1. Barker A, Krull G, and Mallison, B. 2005. A PROPOSED theoretical model for M learning
adoption in developing countries
2. Frohberrg D., Goth, C. nnd Shakespeare, G 2009. Mobile learning projects: a critical
analysis of the state of the art journal of computer assisted learning 25, 307-331
3. Geddes, S. 2004/. Mobile learning in the 21st century: Benefits for learners. The
knowledge tree.
4. Koole, M, L, 2009, A model for framing mobile learning in: Ally M. (ed) Mobile learning
transforming the delivery of education and training . AU Press Canada
5. Kukulska, Hulme, A2005. Introduction . In Kukulska Hulma A and Traixer, J. (eds) mobile
learning; A handbook for educators and learners London and new york