What is M-learning?

M-learning or mobile learning is teaching through computational devices like Mobile phones, Palms, Windows CE Machines, MP3 players etc. You can call these devices as informational appliances. The process of learning while traveling in trains or planes is not a new concept, as the sight of so many people with their heads buried in books. With the arrival of gradually more powerful (in terms of memory and bandwidth) mobile telecommunications devices, the prospective for distribution structured learning to populace on the budge has augmented significantly.

The idea of mobile computing is that of portable computation that provides rich interactivity, total connectivity, and powerful processing. The ability to see high resolution images and hear quality sound, a small device that is always networked allowing easy input through pens and/or speech or even a keyboard when necessary. The content to the learners can be sent in any part of the world regardless of geographical or temporal restrictions. These informational devices can be used in terms of providing support to the students, by allowing tutors to send reminders of assignments deadlines as well as compassionate messages and encouragement.

Why to use mobile devices for learning?

A number of mobile devices can be used in education as administration, organization and teaching aids for practitioners and also as learning support tools for learners. Here are some of the main benefits:

• It can be used in open environment laboratories without physical connections and instead of hiding behind screens/monitors, learners can interact with each other and with the practitioner.

• Mobile devices occupy less space than several desktop monitors/screens.

• Mobile phones, PDA’s and e-books holding notes are less in weight and less bulky if compared to bags full of files, paper and textbooks, or even laptops.

• Mobile phones, PDA’s and e-books holding notes are less in weight and less bulky if compared to bags full of files, paper and textbooks, or even laptops.

• It becomes easier for learners to share coursework and other information collaboratively. Also learners and practitioners can e-mail, edit (cut, copy and paste) text, pass the information across a group, share data by using wireless network such as infrared function or a wireless Bluetooth.

• Mobile devices are handy and can be used anywhere, anytime including at home, in the train, buses, in hotels - this is priceless for work-based training.

• These devices develop interest in young people who may have lost interest in education.

• Mobile devices are much cheaper than desktop computers.

On the other hand, there are some potential disadvantages in using mobile devices:

• The screen in a mobile device is small and limits the amount and type of information that can be displayed.

• The data storage capacity is limited, operating speed is slow.

• Possible threats of data loss if batteries are not charged regularly.

• Less robust than desktops/laptops.

• Some mobile devices may not allow usage of moving graphics, although 3G and 4G technology will sooner or later implement this.

• Mobile devices may soon become out of date as it is fast-moving in market.

• Degradation of bandwidth may arise with a larger number of users when using wireless networks, poor connectivity, congestion are some other restrictions.

Mobile learning to a greater extent facilitates learning experience, online learning and more customary learning methods. Mobile learning could become a huge factor in getting distracted young minds to engage in learning, where additional customary methods have proved to be futile. The world of learning will become more flexible and exciting as mobile phones combine PDA functions with cameras, video and MP3 players, and as tablets combine the portability of PDAs with the functionality of desktops.