Why is mlearning Important?

• Students can learn at their convenience which combines the formalities of classroom education to the informal personal connectivity to information.
• Information must be presented in small amounts which requires it to be succinct.
• Allows for information to travel with the user and requires little space.
• Learners are more active in the learning process not just passive receivers of information.
• As an effect of size, students have a sense of privacy; communication is more expressive.
• Encourages users to be flexible, participate in collaborative efforts, and develop multi-tasking skills.

Insights

mLearning is the learning and knowledge sharing that takes place when the learner is mobile. Students are increasingly mobile in an environment where pervasive wireless broadband is emerging -enabling access to rich media communication and content (Trondsen, Director of Learning on Demand).

Around Ohio

• Choosing appropriate mLearning activities and managing their implementation (The Ohio State University, TELR).
• Advanced applications are in development for the UC Mobile phones that will be distributed allowing all incoming freshman to be notified of changes made to their courses, GPS systems to provide shuttle bus notification, a Way Finder that will help them navigate Cincinnati, and pre-programmed access to public safety. (University of Cincinnati).

Around the Nation

• Mobile Learning in Action, California State University students and faculty are engaged in exciting initiatives that re-define the classroom, creating new opportunities for inquiry-based curriculum.
• The Center for Highly Interactive Computing in Education at the University of Michigan develops learner-centered technology and curriculum that addresses major needs of schools today.
• mLearnopedia: A mobile learning resource center that includes developmental tools, blogs, applications, events, examples, vendors and resources.
• Ubiquitous Computing, The case for handheld computers, from the Center for Innovative Learning Technologies.
• Read related articles and access presentations on mlearning from Educause Learning Initiative.

Examples

• A case study: creating a m library at the University of Athabasca in Canada (Word Document).
• The Learning In Hand website is the result of teacher Tony Vincent and his schools' implementation of handhelds throughout the entire elementary school. You will find lesson plans for handhelds and practical advice for how to get started.
• Try this interactive virtual PDA to see how to use GPS.
• Wonder how news feeds look through a PDA? Here's a virtual opportunity!
• Course-related iPod uses from the Georgia College and State University.

Free and Low Cost Tools

• Macintosh Solutions
  Search what's new and hot in Macintosh software for Mobile devices.

• PC/Windows Solutions
    Download stores for your Windows Mobile Based Devices.