Mindfulness in Mobile and Ubiquitous Learning: Harnessing the Power of Attention

Abstract

Mobile and other digital technologies facilitate ubiquitous learning that offers unprecedented benefits. With mobile learners being able to “squeeze in” learning in-between other daily activities, they face contesting demands on their attention and their brain. Their learning experience might be hindered by multitasking, distraction, mind wandering, and even problematic dependence on digital devices. These influences are addressed in the chapter, and recommendations are presented on how to promote higher levels of attention and engagement in m-learning events. Based on the latest empirical evidence, mindfulness strategies can aid in attention regulation and cultivation of “healthier” learning habits, thus alleviating these problems amongst mobile learners. Recent discoveries in neuroscience and the renewed understanding of brain plasticity are bridging the science and practice of mindfulness. Combined with 35 years of scientific research in mindfulness, more recent exploration of the applications of mindfulness in education has demonstrated that learners can train their mind to respond to stimuli in a purposeful controlled manner leading to more successful learning. Incremental mindfulness practice tunes up our nervous system and strengthens the neuro-components that help us connect with our intentional attention capabilities. It is hence the purpose of this exploration and the resulting chapter to identify such learner-centered strategies to promote the development of mindfulness practice leading to enhanced intentional attention in mobile learning. Mobile technologies can be used to provide scaffolds for learners to engage and persist in mindful learning and practice of mindfulness. The author presents a variety of proven mindfulness practices and techniques that can be adapted in the m-learning design. She concludes with a call for more interdisciplinary studies and rigorous explorations of the intersection of mobile learning, education, instructional design, contemplative practices, cognitive science, and neuroscience to attain a better understanding of how to harness attention in mobile and ubiquitous learning.