Abstract
Mobile learning is variously viewed as a fad, a threat, and an answer to the learning needs of time-poor mobile workers, so does it have a place in delivering ‘mainstream’ learning? Based on a 2005 comparative research project, commissioned by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, the paper reports on research into web-based information about the use of mobile technologies for commerce and learning, which was then tested through 29 interviews with manufacturers of mobile devices, businesses and education providers. The research found that mobile technologies were in common use in some commercial sectors but use purely for learning was rare. However m-learning lends itself to new methods of delivery that are highly suited to the ‘just enough, just in time, and just for me’ demands of twenty-first century learners.
Highlights
The distinguishing feature of our society at the beginning of the 21st Century is the rapid rate of technological and social change
This paper reports on the findings of that research, framed by the literature, using interviews to establish the status of m-technology use and m-Learning uptake
The key features of mobile learning identified in this report are: its ability to provide learning that is ‘just in time, just enough and just for me;’ learning that is situated; and learning that is contextualised through mediation with peers and teachers
Summary
The distinguishing feature of our society at the beginning of the 21st Century is the rapid rate of technological and social change. Technological advancements that allow fast communications and information processing are supporting new social patterns. Mobile information and communication technologies are important enablers of the new social structure. We are experiencing the first generation of truly portable information and communications technology (ICT) with the relatively recent advent of small, portable mobile devices that provide telephone, Internet, and data storage and management in products such as: iMate, O2, Palm, HP, and Bluetooth (all registered trademarks) that combine mobile telephony, removable memory chips, diaries, email, Web, basic word processing and spreadsheets, and data input, storage, and transfer. The communication and data transfer possibilities created by mobile technologies (mtechnologies) can significantly reduce dependence on fixed locations for work and study, and have the potential to revolutionise the way we work and learn. Individuals expect training that is ‘just in time, m-Learning: Positioning educators for a mobile, connected future Peters just enough and just for me’ (Rosenberg, 2001), and that can be delivered and supported outside of traditional classroom settings (Peters & Lloyd, 2003)
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