m-learning.. Anywhere, Anytime


e-Newsletter

Mobile LearningMobile Learning
 From paper and ink to computers and interactive whiteboards, learning has become more enjoyable and engaging and is continuously evolving thanks to technology. While e-learning uses computers and the internet to involve students in their education, it is still limited to the classroom. A new learning technique that is never restricted to time or place, mobile learning, often referred to as m-learning, is a revolutionary educational method that has garnered much attention and interest.

Featuring an engaging workshop on Mobile Learning, ictQATAR's , ictQATAR's ICT in Education Conference brought together learners, teachers and educational experts from all around the world to discuss key technology issues and trends. "m-Learning is a form of distance learning where electronic materials are delivered on small wireless sets such as mobile phones, handhelds, Personal Digital Assistants (PADs), iPhone 3G, Smartphones, Tablet PCs and etc. M-learning is the use of mobile technology to deliver electronic learning materials to students anyplace and anytime as well as to deliver electronic training to teachers anywhere and anytime", said Dr. Mohamed Ali, Director and Professor at Center for Distance Education, Athabasca University, Canada, during the workshop.

While e-learning relies on wired technology, m-Learning uses wireless systems, thus facilitating instant interaction between students and teachers through SMS and MMS rather than email. Learning is no longer restricted to the classroom, but can rather be anywhere and anytime. But there are technical challenges. Mobile phones have limited memory capacity and the size of its screens are much smaller than usual PCs. Picture quality on mobiles are lower than desktop computers, and features as printing and scanning are not available.

While these are mostly technical challenges, Ali also pointed out to educational challenges for teachers opting for this new technique. Converting existing information for mobile technology, developing new learning materials for delivery on mobile technology and training staff on mobile delivery are among other challenges to come. "The role of teachers remains integral to the process," Ali clarifies, "They need to come up with exciting ways to motivate their students such as integrating multimedia in preparing interactive learning material, and optimizing the use of ICT techniques as video conferencing via mobile phone, internet forums, blogs, wikis, v-logs, voice-IP and social networks, and even using more game-like strategies for e-learning materials".

Research is essential to ensure effective m-learning. Teachers need to explore how to design their learning material for electronic delivery not only for print-face. "We are now moving from the digital age to the age of wisdom, where we need to apply the knowledge we have in creative ways," Ali said, "Teachers need to be trained and have sufficient skills, to be able to help students cope with the ever-changing technology".

Interactive, affordable and engaging, m-learning is one more way by which technology has transformed the way children learn. Despite with technical and educational challenges, culture remains the true challenge and the real prerequisite for embracing such an innovative and intriguing way of education.

- By: Zakaria Fawzi
 






Add Comments