Mobile Learning

Mobile learning has different meanings for different communities. It is also related with e- learning and distance education. One definition of mobile learning is: Any sort of learning that happens when the learner is not at a fixed predetermined location, or learning that happens when the learner takes advantage of the learning opportunities offered by mobile technologies. In the other words, mobile learning decreases limitation of learning location with the mobility of general portable devices. Mobile learning is convenient in that is accessible from virtually anywhere.

In the field of education, it is very important to bring new technology into the classroom. It is a light weight device as compare to books, PCs, etc. It could be utilized as a part of learning approach or a blended learning approach but it needs to be used appropriately, according to the groups of students involved.

As we all know that everything is double fold. It has also included some technical, social and educational challenges.

Technical Challenges: -

·       Connectivity and battery life

·       Screen size and key size

·       Ability for authors to visualize mobile phones for delivery

·       Possibilities to meet required bandwidth for nonstop

·       Content security

·       Numbers of files supported by a specific devices

Social and Educational Challenges: -

• Accessibility and cost barriers for end users
• How to assess learning outside the classroom
• How to support learning across many contexts
• Content’s security
• Frequent changes in device models
• No restriction on learning timetable
• No demographic boundary
• Disruption of students personal and academic lives
• Access to and use of the technology in developing countries