Theories on mlearning
Theories on mlearning
ABSTRACT
Mobile learning (m-learning) is a highly popular multidisciplinary study field around the world. It has attracted
a great deal of attention from researchers in different disciplines who have realized the potential to apply mobile
technologies to enchance learning. Thus, mobile learning has been defined differently by different people. This
study is a review of m-learning literature for understanding and discussion of current perspectives and theories
in mobile learning. Additionally, some m-learning practices that are implemented in different sectors such as
corporate, university and military have been mentioned.
Keywords: Mobile learning, m-learning theories and m-learning practices
INTRODUCTION
Mobile devices are commonly used all around the world. In some countries, mobile devices are much more
widely used than computers. For instance, people in Kenya are able to use mobile devices everywhere to access
the internet, check e-mail, make phone calls, send SMS messages, etc. Mobile learning has come to people’s
attention because mobile devices are portable, ubiquitous, easily accessible and used by many people. This
situation shows that there is great potential to enchance learning with mobile devices.
Some researchers characterise mobile learning as an extension of e-learning. For instance, Kadirire (2009)
defines m-learning as a form of e-Learning, which can take place anytime, anywhere with the help of a mobile
communication device such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), iPod or any such small
portable device. But new mobile learning perspectives accept m-learning as a paradigm change. One of these
perspective is the learner-centred perspective. It asserts that m-learning is any sort of learning that happens when
the learner is not at a fixed, predetermined location, or learning opportunies offered by mobile technologies (O’
Malley et al, 2003). The other perspective focuses on individualism. According to this perspective, m-learning is
defined as any activity that allows individuals to be more productive when consuming, interacting with, or
creating information, mediating through a compact digital portable device that the individual carries on a regular
basis, has reliable connectivity, and fits in a pocket or purse (Wexler et al, 2008). There are some researchers
who associate m-learning with ubiquitous learning, as well (Ng et al, 2009).
Finally, there are many different m-learning perspectives in the related literature. Each definitions focus on the
different features such as mobile technologies, mobility, indvualism, ubiquitous, or e-learning.
Lifelong Learning happens all the time Lifelong information and Social networks (Blogs,
learning and is influenced both by our interaction with education Wikipedia, Twitter,
environment and the particular content in mobile learning Youtube)
situations we are faced with Podcasting Podcast
(Sharples, 2000). Information resources E-mail
Mobile web site Mobile Forums
Informal Learning is a process of Information and interaction Social networks (Blogs,
learning learning that occurs with education content in Wikipedia, Twitter,
autonomously and casually informal mobile learning Youtube)
without being tied to highly setting Podcast
directive curricula or Mobile information resources E-mail
Instruction (Vavoula, 2004) Mobiles in a museum setting Mobile Forums
Field Trips
Science Field Work
Activity theory Learning occurs with three User actions in social context Museum Art Gallery exhibit
features-involving a subject dependent mobile learning via SMS, polls, calling
(the learners), an object (the Actively participation Mobile Games
task or activity) and tool or Social context Multimedia
mediating artefacts and human Activities
behaviour is situated within a
social context that influences
their actions (Vygotsky,
1987).
Connectivism Learning is process of Diversity of information Social networks (Blogs,
connecting specialized nodes sources in mobile learning Wikipedia, Twitter,
or information sources Connecting specialized nodes Youtube)
(Siemens, 2004). Information sources Podcast
Facilitate continual learning E-mail
environment Mobile Forums
Knowledge management Diccussion Platforms
activities Podcasting
Decision-making
Navigationism Learning is a process of Complex of information Social networks (Blogs,
connecting specialized nodes sources in mobile learning Wikipedia, Twitter,
or information sources Connecting specialized nodes Youtube)
(Brown, 2005). Information sources Podcast
Facilitate continual learning E-mail
environment Mobile Forums
Knowledge management Diccussion Platforms
activities Podcasting
Decision-making
Manage information (identify,
analyse, organize, classify,
assess, evaluate, etc.)
Sense making and chaos
management.
Location based Location-based learning holds Location context in mobile Field trips
Learning promise for just- in-time learning Archaeology studies
learning tied to a student’s Conceptual knowledge Location based game
physical location (Johnson et Conceptual application Virtual world
all, 2009) Constructive environment Google Map, GPS, RFID,
Partnership with location network triangulation
Immersive activities
equipment and systems in those environments. METIL produces mobile learning application and provides
mobile learning research and development expertise for the public, private, and social sectors.
Sales professionals in particular have a strong need for on-demand, mobile access to refresher materials on their
product line. Driving, however, provides challenges to many methods of delivering mobile content, such as apps
or mobile web access, due to limiting ability to look at the device's screen; this is especially true now due to
stricter hands-free laws in many states. In order to allow simple, hands-free access to sales data, we developed a
voice recognition IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system that allows sales professionals to navigate
Microsoft's product information library and select audio for listening.
• My Sports Pulse
The My Sports Pulse project combines mobile and web technologies, STEM education, and a sports theme to
create an innovative approach to bolstering understanding and interest in science and mathematics fields.
Students can register with the My Sports Pulse program to receive questions, presented within the context of
sports scenarios, about subjects such as physics, nutrition, algebra or geometry. Questions are delivered through
text messages or email, and can also be accessed and answered directly through the My Sports Pulse website. As
students answer questions, they earn points in various knowledge areas and build up their own avatar to compete
with other students and schools. The My Sports Pulse program has been piloted with several schools inside and
outside of the US, with promising results.
CONCLUSION
Mobile learning has a promising future as a field of study. In related literature, there are many different
approaches, theories and practices. The current m-learning study field will be more understandable for new
researchers if these definitions, approaches and theories are disccussed and linked to concrete mobile learning
practices.
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