Evaluation of M-Learning Applications from Usability Perspective

Abstract

Mobile learning is an approach in electronic learning (e-learning) that utilizes mobile devices. Although often m-learning is seen as simply an extension of e-learning, quality m-learning can only be delivered with an awareness and special care of the limitations and advantages of mobile devices. One of the possible barriers to the successful integration of M-learning into mainstream education is the set of issues associated with the usability of applications designed for mobile devices. Applications delivered on mobile devices have many specific usability issues. The designer must meet and overcome all of these constraints, challenges and context of use issues in order to design a usable application. The m-learning applications could be organised into five distinct categories: Learning Management, Supportive, Content-Based, Context-Based and Collaborative. We wish to identify the issues and challenges associated with developing usable m-learning applications within each of these categories. The aim is to identify plans for future work towards a framework for the design and development of usable m-learning applications.