Mobile Learning: Shaping the Frontiers of Learning Technologies in Global Context

Part of the New Frontiers of Educational Research book series (NFER)

Abstract

Learning with mobiles will undoubtedly shape the frontiers of learning technologies in every global context. Looking back over the past 10 years of mobile learning we can see increasing evidence and experience of mobiles driving the agenda for other established learning technologies and either taking learning to people and communities who were previously too distant or expensive to reach or enhancing, enriching and challenging the conceptions of learning itself. This has taken place in an increasingly global context gradually achieving international visibility and recognition but has not been wholly benign as the medium for specific agendas. This chapter reviews this previous decade and then looks forwards to a world where increasingly the notion of learning technology is itself problematic as technology, especially mobile technology, becomes a pervasive, universal, ubiquitous and defining characteristic, taken-for-granted and not-worth-mentioning. The world is no longer a world with technology and mobile technology added in, somehow separate, additional and optional, but is becoming a world unthinkable without technology, particularly mobile technology. This transforms knowledge and knowing and challenges education to stay credible. Learning with mobiles is no longer learning as we knew it somehow delivered or enriched by mobile technology, it becomes learning defined by societies defined by mobile technology. This chapter explores these issues.

Keywords

Mobile Device Mobile Technology Global Context Social Entrepreneur Mobile Learning 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

References

  1. Ally M (ed) (2009) Mobile learning: transforming the delivery of education and training. University of Athabasca Press, AthabascaGoogle Scholar
  2. Arnedillo-Sánchez I, Sharples M, Vavoula G (eds) (2007) Beyond mobile learning workshop. Trinity College Dublin Press, DublinGoogle Scholar
  3. Attewell J, Savill-Smith C (2004) Learning with mobile devices. Learning and Skills Network, LondonGoogle Scholar
  4. Beddall-Hill N, Raper J (2010) Mobile devices as ‘boundary objects’ on field trips. J Res Cent Educ Technol 6(1)Google Scholar
  5. Botha A, Vosloo S, Kuner J, van den Berg M (2008) Improving cross-cultural awareness and communication through mobile technologies. In: Traxler J, Riordan B, Dennett C (eds) Proceedings of mLearn, Telford, UKGoogle Scholar
  6. Burke D (2010) Using mobile devices to enhance fieldwork. In: Law P, Wankel C (eds) Streaming media in higher educationGoogle Scholar
  7. Buscher M, Urry J (2009) Mobile methods and the empirical. European J Soc Theor 12(1):99–116CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  8. Chen YS, Kao TC et al (2003) A mobile learning system for scaffolding bird watching learning. J Comput Assist Learn 19(3):347–359CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  9. Cobcroft RS et al. (2006) Literature review into mobile learning in the university context. Queensland University of Technology: Creative Industries Faculty, QueenslandGoogle Scholar
  10. Collett M, Stead G (2002) Meeting the challenge: producing m-learning materials for young adults with numeracy and literacy needs. In: Proceedings of mLearn, Birmingham, UK, The University of Birmingham, UKGoogle Scholar
  11. Corlett D, Sharples M et al (2005) Evaluation of a mobile learning organiser for university students. J Comput Assist Learn 21(3):162–170CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  12. Dearnley CJ, Haigh J, Fairhall J (2008) Using mobile technologies for assessment and learning in practice settings: a case study. Nurse Education in Practice: ElsevierGoogle Scholar
  13. Dewson S, Eccles J, Tackey ND, Jackson A (2002) Measuring soft outcomes and distance travelled: a review of current practice. Institute for Employment Studies for DfEEGoogle Scholar
  14. Draper SW, Brown MI (2004) Increasing interactivity in lectures using an electronic voting system. J Comput Assist Learn 20(2):81–94CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  15. Engeström Y (1987) Learning by expanding: an activity-theoretical approach to developmental research. Orienta-Konsultit, HelsinkiGoogle Scholar
  16. Engeström Y (2009) Wildfire activities: new patterns of mobility and learning. Int J Mob Blended Learn 1(2)Google Scholar
  17. Facer K, Joiner R, Stanton D, Reidt J, Hull R, Kirk D (2004) Savannah: mobile gaming and learning? J Comput Assist Learn 20:399–409CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  18. Gayeski D (2002) Learning unplugged—using mobile technologies for organisational and performance improvement. AMACON—American Management Association, New YorkGoogle Scholar
  19. Giles J (2009) Physios recommend a healthy dose of gaming. New scientist. At www.newscientist.com/article/mg20227145.700-physios-recommend-a-healthy-dose-of-gaming.html
  20. GSMA (2010) mLearning: a platform for educational opportunities at the base of the pyramid. GSMA Development Fund, London. Available from http://www.gsmworld.com/documents/mLearning_Report_Final_Dec2010.pdf
  21. Herrington J, Herrington A, Mantei J, Olney I, Ferry B (eds) (2009) New technologies, new pedagogies: Mobile learning in higher education. Faculty of Education, University of Wollongong, WollongongGoogle Scholar
  22. Jarvis CH, Priestnall G (2008) Visualisation futures: a teaching and learning perspective. Horizon scanning for GIS and visualisation, Salford, 1 Apr 2008Google Scholar
  23. JISC (2005) Innovative practice with e-Learning: a good practice guide to embedding mobile and wireless technologies into everyday practice. Joint Information Services Committee, BristolGoogle Scholar
  24. JISC (2010) JISC mobile and wireless technologies review. Available at http://mobilereview.jiscpress.org, also http://mobilereview.jiscpress.org/mobile-version/
  25. Kato PM, Cole SW, Bradlyn AS, Pollock BH (2008) A video game improves behavioural outcomes in adolescents and young adults with cancer: a randomised trial. Paediatrics 122(2):305–317CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  26. Kenny RF, Park CL, Van Neste-Kenny JMC, Burton PA, Meiers PA (2009) Using mobile learning to enhance the quality of nursing practice education. In: Ally M (ed) Mobile learning: transforming the delivery of education and training. Athabasca University Press, AthabascaGoogle Scholar
  27. Kneebone R, Brenton H (2005) Training perioperative specialist practitioners. In: Kukulska-Hulme A, Traxler J (eds) Mobile learning: a handbook for educators and trainers. Routledge, LondonGoogle Scholar
  28. Kneebone R, Nestel D et al (2003) The use of handheld computers in scenario-based procedural assessments. Med Teach Med Teach J1—Med Teach 25(6):632–642Google Scholar
  29. Kukulska-Hulme A, Traxler J (2005a) Mobile learning: a handbook for educators and trainers. Routledge, LondonGoogle Scholar
  30. Kukulska-Hulme A, Traxler J (2005a) Making the case for personalisation through mobile learning. In: Proceedings of CAL’05, BristolGoogle Scholar
  31. Kukulska-Hulme A, Traxler J (2007) Design for mobile and wireless technologies. In: Beetham H, Sharpe R (eds) Rethinking pedagogy for the digital age. Routledge, LondonGoogle Scholar
  32. Kukulska-Hulme A, Sharples M, Milrad M, Arnedillo-Sánchez I, Vavoula G (2011) The genesis and development of mobile learning in Europe. In: Parsons D (ed) Combining E-learning and M-learning: new applications of blended educational resources. Information Science Reference (an imprint of IGI Global), Hershey, pp 151–177Google Scholar
  33. Latchem C, Jung I (2010) Distance and blended learning in Asia. Routledge, AbingdonGoogle Scholar
  34. Laurillard D (2002) Rethinking university teaching—a conversational framework for the effective use of learning technology, 2nd edn. Routledge, LondonCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  35. Lee AS, Baskerville RL (2003) Generalizing generalizability in information systems research 14(3):pp 221–243Google Scholar
  36. Levy M, Kennedy C (2005) Learning Italian via mobile SMS. In: Kukulska-Hulme A, Traxler J (ed) Mobile learning: a handbook for educators and trainers. Routledge, LondonGoogle Scholar
  37. Lindstrom L (1993) Cargo cult: strange stories of desire from melanesia and beyond. University of Hawaii Press, HonoluluGoogle Scholar
  38. Lonsdale P, Barber C, Sharples M, Byrne W, Arvanitis T, Brundell P et al (2004) Context awareness for MOBIlearn: creating an engaging learning experience in an art museum. In: Murelli E, Da Bormida G, Alborghetti C (eds) Proceedings of MLEARN. CRATOS, Odescalchi CastleGoogle Scholar
  39. Mayo E (1933) The human problems of an industrial civilization. MacMillan, New York, Chap. 3. or Roethlisberger FJ, Dickson WJ (1939) Management and the worker. Harvard University Press, CambridgeGoogle Scholar
  40. Metcalf DS (2006) mLearning: mobile learning and performance in the palm of your hand. HRD Press, AmherstGoogle Scholar
  41. Pachler N, Bachmair B, Cook J, Kress G (eds) (2010) Mobile learning—structures, agency, practices. Springer, LondonGoogle Scholar
  42. Pasanen J (2003) Corporate mobile learning. In: Kynaslahti H, Seppala P (eds) Mobile learning. IT Press, Helsinki, pp 115–123Google Scholar
  43. Pulman A (2008) Mobile assistance—the nintendo DS lite as an assistive tool for health and social care students. Online at www.swap.ac.uk/docs/casestudies/pulman.pdf
  44. Quinn C (2000) mLearning: mobile, wireless and in-your-pocket learning. Line Zine MagazineGoogle Scholar
  45. Rainger P (2005) Accessibility and mobile learning. In: Kukulska-Hulme A, Traxler J (eds) Mobile learning: a handbook for educators and trainers. Routledge, LondonGoogle Scholar
  46. Schaffers H, Cordoba MG, Hongisto P, Kallai T, Merz C, van Rensburg J (2007) Exploring business models for open innovation in rural living labs. In: Proceedings of the 13th international conference on concurrent enterprising, pp 49–56Google Scholar
  47. Sharples M (ed) (2006) Big issues in mobile learning. nottingham: kaleidoscope network of excellence. Mobile Learning InitiativeGoogle Scholar
  48. Sheller M, Urry J (2006) The new mobilities paradigm. Environ Plann A 38:207–226CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  49. Shuler C (2009) Pockets of potential: using mobile technologies to promote children’s learning. The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop, New YorkGoogle Scholar
  50. Smith C (2008) Simulation as an aid to archaeological drawing, teaching and learning in archaeology 2008 conference. University of Liverpool, 25–26 June, organised by the HEA subject centre for history, classics and archaeologyGoogle Scholar
  51. Smordal O, Gregory J (2003) Personal digital assistants in medical education and practice. J Comput Assist Learn 19(3):320–329CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  52. Thornton P, Houser C (2005) Using mobile phones in English education in Japan. J Comput Assist Learn 21:217–228CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  53. Traxler J (2007) IS4DEV—IS development and development issues. In: Barry C, Lang M, Wojtkowski W, Wojtkowski G, Wrycza S, Zupancic J (eds) (2008) The inter-networked world: ISD theory, practice, and education. Springer-Verlag, New York, ISBN 978-0387304038Google Scholar
  54. Traxler J (2008) Learning in a mobile age. Int J Mob Blended Learn 1(1):1–12CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  55. Traxler J (2010a) Sustaining mobile learning and its institutions. Int J Mob Blended Learn 2(4):129–138Google Scholar
  56. Traxler J (2010b) e-Learning—the next wave. In: Proceedings of ALT-C, Association for Learning Technology, OxfordGoogle Scholar
  57. Traxler J (2010c) Will student devices deliver innovation, inclusion and transformation? J Res Cent Educ Technol at Kent State University, Spring 2010Google Scholar
  58. Traxler J, Griffiths L (2009) IWB4D—interactive whiteboards for development. In: Proceedings of ICTD2009 doha, Qatar: IEEEGoogle Scholar
  59. Traxler J, Kukulska-Hulme A (2006) The evaluation of next generation learning technologies: the case of mobile learning. In: Research proceedings of ALT-C2006. Association for Learning Technology, OxfordGoogle Scholar
  60. Unterfrauner E, Marschalek I, Fabian C (2010) Mobile learning with marginalized young people. In: Arnedillo Sánchez I, Isaias P (eds) Proceedings of the IADIS international conference mobile learning, pp 28–35Google Scholar
  61. Vuorinen R, Sampson JP (2003) Using mobile Information technology to enhance counselling and guidance. In: Kynaslahti H, Seppala P (eds) Mobile learning. IT Press, Helsinki, pp 63–70Google Scholar
  62. White A et al (2005) Infusing PDA technology into nursing education. Nurse Educator 30(4):150–154CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  63. Worsley P (1957) The trumpet shall sound: a study of “cargo” cults in Melanesia. MacGibbon and Kee, LondonGoogle Scholar
  64. Wright S, Parchoma G (2011) Technologies for learning? An actor-network theory critique of ‘affordances’ in research on mobile learning. Res Learn Technol 19(3)Google Scholar

Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.School of TechnologyUniversity of WolverhamptonLondonUK

Personalised recommendations