Guidelines for Design and Implementation of Mobile Learning

Background

There are many definitions of mobile learning. According to Ally (2004), mobile learning is the use of electronic learning materials with built-in learning strategies for delivery on mobile computing devices to allow access from anywhere and at anytime. O’Malley et al (2003) defined mobile learning as 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. Traxler (2005) defined mobile learning as any educational provision where the sole or dominant technologies are handheld or palmtop devices. The definition of mobile learning we will be using in the chapter is “the delivery of learning materials and providing learning support on mobile devices to provide flexibility to the learner so that the learner can learn while they are mobile”.

Because of the proliferation in the use of mobile technologies around the world, there is a significant interest in mobile learning to provide flexibility in learning. The design of the mobile learning interface from a pedagogical viewport is critical to promote success in learning (Subramanya & Yi, 2006). A systematic framework must be used for the design of mobile learning so that developers can produce high quality learning materials that meet the needs of learners. This chapter will describe how to design, develop, and deliver mobile learning materials using Badrul Khan’s (2005) Framework (see Figure 1). However, it is important to discuss why mobile learning should be implemented in education and the benefits of mobile learning.

Figure 1.

Badrul Khan’s framework for mobile learning

(Adapted by permission)