Realizing the promises of mobile learning

Abstract

This article considers the current status of mobile learning and discusses a number of trends that are driving toward enterprise mobility, a state of technological readiness where users have full access to resources regardless of physical location. Enterprise mobility is discussed as one of several key considerations at the core of a successful and sustainable mobile learning strategy. The need for an ecosystem that supports, manages, and maintains content for learning and performance support that plays on mobile devices is also discussed. Finally, thoughts on the value of aligning investments in enterprise mobility and productivity improvement with the distribution of engaging performance support are offered for consideration.

Mobile learning glossary

2G:

Second generation mobile telephone technology. It cannot normally transfer data such as e-mail or software. 2G services are also referred to as Personal Communications Service (PCS).

2.5G:

See General Packet Radio Service.

3G:

Third generation mobile phone standards and technology. 3G provides the ability to transfer voice data and non-voice data including wide-area wireless cellular voice telephony, video calls, and broadband wireless data.

4G:

Fourth generation wireless communication the successor to 3G. When implemented, 4G will provide a comprehensive IP (Internet Protocol) solution, and be able to connect users to voice, data, and streamed multimedia services on an “anytime, anywhere” basis at higher data rates than 3G.

802.11:

IEEE 802.11 is a set of standards for wireless local area network (WLAN) computer communication. These technologies are used for short-range networks, and are not part of wireless cellular voice telephony.

802.11n:

A proposed amendment to the IEEE 802.11-2007 wireless networking standard, intended to significantly improve network throughput over previous standards (specifically, 802.11b and 802.11g). If achieved, this standard’s potential 248 Mbps data rate will allow consumers to move beyond traditional wired Ethernet LANs. Expected release date is 2009.

Enterprise mesh:

A wireless mesh network is a communications network made up of radio nodes organized in a mesh topology to increase the coverage area, and to improve reliability through redundancy.

EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution):

A digital mobile phone technology that allows increased data transmission rates and improved data transmission reliability. EDGE is usable for any packet-switched application, such as an Internet connection. EDGE can carry data speeds up to 236.8 kbps in packet mode.

EVDO (also EV-DO or EV):

A telecommunications standard for the wireless transmission of data through radio signals, typically for broadband Internet access.

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service):

A packet-oriented Mobile Data Service available to users of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and IS-136 mobile phones. GPRS data rates range from 56 kbps up to 114 kbps. GPRS supports services such as Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) access, Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), and Internet communication services such as e-mail and World Wide Web access.

Global Positioning System (GPS):

A satellite navigation system used for determining one’s precise location and providing a time reference virtually anywhere on earth.

GSM (Global System for Mobile-telephones):

The most commonly used cell phone standard used in the world. GSM systems are used in more than 200 countries.

Hotspo:

A venue or location that offers Wi-Fi access.

LBS (Location based services):

Information and entertainment services accessible with mobile devices through the mobile network and utilizing the ability to make use of the geographical position of the mobile device. LBS services include services to identify a location of a person or object, such as discovering the nearest banking cash machine or the whereabouts of a friend or employee. LBS services include parcel, tracking and vehicle tracking services.

Wi-Fi:

a name for popular wireless technology used in home networks mobile phones, video games, and to support peer-to-peer connection of devices (also referred to as an ad hoc network). Uses IEEE 802.11 technology and standards, but implementation varies. Most commonly, Wi-Fi supports private, restricted networks in homes and offices. However, public Wi-Fi may make access publicly available at hotspots, provided either free of charge, to subscribers, or for a fee.

WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access):

A telecommunications technology that provides wireless data in a variety of ways, from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular type access. The WiMax Forum (industry group) describes WiMAX as “a standards-based technology enabling the delivery of last-mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL.” WiMax is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard.

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network):

Refers to linking of two or more computers or devices through radio technology in a limited area. Users are able to move computers (usually laptops) and devices around within the coverage area, and still connect to the network. WLANs are nearly always based on IEEE, 802.11 technology, but there are some rare competitors.