Mobile learning is a new method being introduced into learning environments to further the reach of education and to connect with hard to reach learners. It makes use of the fast growing technology of small gadgets doing big things (or more things anyway!). The devices used can include any small handheld technologies including; mobile phones, Sony PSPs, Nintendo DS, mp3/mp4 players, small electronic notebooks etc. These are devices that can be used anywhere, including the classroom, at the workplace or whilst travelling. Several educational companies are now providing services and support, using this technology including MoLeNET, who describe this type of learning as "involving connectivity for downloading, uploading and/or online working via wireless networks, mobile phone networks or both" (www.molenet.co.uk).
What are it's benefits?
This type of learning could be especially useful for rural areas, where learners may struggle to get to classes due to lack of public transport/unsuitable times etc. Equally, this could be extremely beneficial to those that are working full time, where their only free time comes in lunch breaks and/or during travel to and from their workplace. English learners may also benefit from some form of application that could be quickly accessed to provide basic English for various tasks e.g. going to the Doctors or setting up a bank account. With younger adults, it may provide a branch of learning that they are more likely to connect with and put their effort into. So many people own a mobile phone these days and podcasts, video clips or flash cards could be uploaded to their devices to that they can work individually, whether in a classroom or elsewhere.
What are the Issues?
Tutors will need to be fully trained in using this type of equipment to get the most out of it for the learners. Also, with so many different models of mobile phone available, a general knowledge will be required to be able to assist each learner.
Some older learners may struggle to grasp the technology enough to get what they want out of it.
In some rural areas of Shetland, there is still a problem with slow internet speeds and many places do not have a good enough mobile network connection to run online applications smoothly.
Due to the fast turnover of mobile phones and electronic devices, models fast become out of date.
The screen size on most hand held devices is relatively small and therefore provides limited space for data to be displayed. Applications and programmes would need to be designed with this in mind and information kept brief and to the point.
Although this is a very technical day and age, there are still people who do not have a mobile phone or do not have a phone capable of supporting these educational applications or that connect to the internet, it would therefore be an extra expense, that many people today would struggle to afford.
Examples of its use
Although there appears to be many issues on first investigation, the potential for this kind of learning is great, especially once several of the minor problems have been ironed out. Learners could use their handheld device to take pictures and/or videos whilst out on a field trip or as part of a project. They could download podcasts of lessons to listen ot while on the go.
An example of a use of a PSP in a classroom is in a Sheffield English lesson where each student was given a PSP to watch a trailer on and answer a worksheet of questions. This is a good example of how large classes could use technology to cater for all levels during individual work.
Antonia Sidgwick - Hello there! I am a 23 year old graduate in Sport Science with Psychology. I am currently working with lifelong learning and I am ...
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