"Mobile and wireless technologies are not yet in widespread use in post-16 and higher education despite the almost ubiquitous ownership of mobile phones by learners. As a result, the practice evolving around the use of these technologies may still be described as 'innovative' and it is yet to be established whether the pedagogies emerging around them will differ from those now being established around eLearning in general."
Innovative Practice with eLearning - JISC / HEFCE - 2005
The types of mobile devices to consider include laptops & tablet PCs, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) & hybrid phones/PDAs/MP3/MP4 players and portable storage devices such as USB pen drives & SD memory cards. The selection is wide and varied and developing constantly. A common way of referring to these technologies now are as "Handheld" devices with gaming consols such as Nintendo DS /Wii and Sony PSPs now becoming recognised as legitimate learning devices and it is becoming more common for mobile versions of web sites and resources to be available. Ubiquitous wireless networks are key providing fully connected, always online learning community.
Key benefits arising from using mobile technologies are obvious:
JISC eLearning Programme has produced a good practice guide to embedding mobile and wireless technologies into everyday practice called Innovative Practice with eLearning. Take a look at the video case study from the guide - Mobile learning and teaching with PDAs produced by Dewsbury College, Thomas Danby College and Bishop Burton College that have a particular focus on child care, ESOL and field studies but provides some excellent food for thought about the application of ideas across the wider curriculum.
Take a look at the Mobile Learning Network (MoLeNET) website for more information and resources. The project is a collaborative approach to encouraging, supporting, expanding and promoting mobile learning, primarily in the English FE sector with the LSC and institutions investing over £12 million in MoLeNET. The MoLeTECH web site aims to share ideas and practice - to see how m-learning can enhance the learner's experience whoever and wherever they may be and is well worth a look.
Watch James Clay's keynote speech for RSC Eastern's Mobile learning Event on the future of learning
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