Most technologies for personal use are mobile devices that can fit in our pockets and enable worldwide communication. This universal appeal creates an interest in utilizing these resources for learning purposes. There are many examples of learning using mobile devices such as personal digital assistants and mobile phones but are part of a larger space of possible mobile technologies which are mostly classified into the two dimensions of personal vs. shared and portable vs. static.
Education using mobile technologies is starting to reach institution wide implementations. Educators and developers should take into account the following factors for successful implementations:
Context: Utilization of contextual information which may go against learner's privacy rights.
Mobility: Being able to learn outside the classroom may cause learners to participate in activities what clash with the educators program or curriculum.
Learning over Time: Useful tools are required for recording, organizing and obtaining learning experiences.
Informality: Certain technologies may be abandoned if learners feel their social network is being compromised.
Ownership: Learners wish to control personal technology which presents a dilemma when brought to the classroom.