EMERGING TRENDS IN ELEARNING AND MLEARNING FROM A BYOD PERSPECTIVE AND CYBER SECURITY POLICIES

Abstract

It is undeniable that the last years have been dominated by an extensive development of computer and mobile hardware/software and Internet access that has become more dynamic, powerful and affordable. This growth influences our lives in all its aspects but more importantly it influences, now more than ever, our education. The growing use of digital learning platforms blurs the lines between mobile phones, tablets and desktop computers and opens multiple possibilities for educational programs. Using different devices for eLearning and/or mLearning (from the first levels to Lifelong Learning) has become essential in our existence and with this, the need of using our own devices in the process of learning, in business, or in vast array of conncted domains. From a cyber security point of view, the BYOD perspective has a great future in education but also in the business area due to its benefits (in equipment cost or maintenance, human and time resources). Regardless of the benefits, however, studies have also identified issues concerning security (being connected from your own device but using the resources from different organizations), because most of those systems are open and interconnected, the security aspect is a challenge which has to be addressed. This paper highlights the trends in eLearning and mLearning and the extent to which using BYOD poses cyber security threats to educational organizations. Moreover, this article highlights a few possible scenarios that could represent the future of eLearning and mLearning based on lessons learned, best practices, cyber security practices and cyber security education.