Mobile and Pervasive Technology in Education and Training: Potential and Possibilities, Problems and Pitfalls

Abstract

This chapter investigates the use of mobile digital technologies for learning, or mobile learning (m-learning), across a variety of education and training settings. In particular, it focuses on pervasive m-learning, defined as m-learning involving activities that are able to integrate into learners’ lives, coinciding with other actions and tasks in an unobtrusive fashion. It also considers new and emerging pervasive computing, wearable, and ambient intelligence (AmI) technologies that enable implicit, unseen interactions between humans, objects, and their environment. The chapter is primarily concerned with the question of whether, and if so, how mobile and pervasive computing technologies can be used in pedagogically sound ways. Drawing on a number of illustrative examples, the chapter examines the degree to which pervasive m-learning has been achieved, or can be achieved, with current technologies, as well as the resulting benefits. It then raises a number of potential challenges and risk factors, before synthesizing the above into a number of realistic visions and future applications of pervasive mlearning. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the implications for education and training practitioners and researchers.