2. M-LEARNING
INTRODUCTION
Mobile learning is the delivery of learning, education or learning
supporton mobile phones, PDAs or tablets .E-learning has provided the ability for
traditional learning to break out of the classroomsetting and for students to learn
at home.Mobile learning has enhanced upon e-learning by taking it a step further
and allowing students to learn virtually anywherea mobile signal is available.M-
learning is a revolution in E-learning.
New mobile technology , such as hand held based devices,is playing
a large role in redefining how we receive information.Therecent advances in
mobile technology are changing the primary purposeof mobile devices from
making or receiving calls to retrieving the latest information on any subject.
M-LEARNING
M-learning or mobile learning is defined as “learning across multiple
contexts,through socialand content interactions,using personalelectronic
devices”. Itis a formof distance education, m -learners use mobile device
educational technology at their time convenience.
M-learning technologies include handheld computers, MP3 players
,notebooks, mobile phones and tablets .M-learning focuses on the mobility of the
learner ,interacting with portable technologies.Using mobile tools for creating
learning aids and materials becomes an important partof informal learning.
3. M-learning is convenient in that , it is accessiblefromvirtually
anywhere.Sharing is almost instantaneous among everyone using the same
content .This highly active process has proven to increaseexam scores from
fiftieth to the seventieth percentile .M-learning also brings portability by replacing
books and notes with small devices ,filled with taibred learning contents.
The major advantages of M-learning include:
i. Interactiveand multimode technology allows students to engage and
manipulate information.
ii. Mobile device features with Wi-Fi capabilities allow for on-demand access
to information.
iii. Access to classroomactivities and information on mobile devices provides
a continuum for learning inside and outside classroom.
iv. Mobile devices facilitate online interaction between instructor and
student, and student to student.
v. Mobile learning can be used to diversify the type of learning activities
students partake in.
vi. With mobile learning, learners are now able to learn in their own style at
their own pace.
vii.
LIMITATIONS
i. Connectivity: There may be someconnectivity problems while uploading
and downloading of data and because of poor mobile network signals.
ii. Screen size: As the screen size is small, it can strain the eyes of the learners
if they use it for long period of time.
iii. Device: Learners mustpossess themobile device that is supporting the
coursewareand this device is expensive.
iv. Distraction: While accessing the coursethrough mobiles, if the learner gets
a call or SMS or social media updates, they are bound to get distracted.
4. CONCLUSION
Mobile learning is widely used in schools, workplaces, museums, cities
and ruralareas around the world. In comparison to traditional classroom
pedagogical approaches, mobile learning allows widened opportunities for timing,
location, accessibility and context of learning .Mobile learning makes it possibleto
extend education beyond the physicalconfines of the classroomand beyond the
fixed time periods of the schoolday.
