Mobile learning, or mLearning, denotes a novel, personalized and flexible educational approach where students can use their Internet-enabled mobile hand-held devices not only to review course content but also to communicate with their peers and instructors at any time or place without the usual limitations of fixed-location computer technology (Crow, Santos, LeBrown, McFadden, & Osborne, 2010). The integration of mobile technologies into the curriculum provides enhanced flexibility to learners to suit their lifestyles in accessing learning content and information resources (Haag, 2011), hence transforming how teaching is done in traditional classrooms.
The mLearning application proposed uses computer-mediated communication (CMC) tools (e.g., wikis, forums and text messaging) not only to facilitate collaborative problem-solving in secondary school science instruction, but also to avail the opportunity for interaction among students who employ the language of science in learning environments (Dewitt, Alias, & Siraj, 2014). The prototype of this application will be based on Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction (problem-solving and collaboration) to achieve the objectives of learning. In CMC tools, the interactions on wikis will facilitate the transformation of knowledge, while online discussion forums will encourage higher level interactions for development of knowledge and acquisition of critical thinking skills (DeWitt et al., 2014). For instructions in my project, the prototype will use the text messaging facility to facilitate ubiquitous learning and enhance collaboration through the synchronous interactions.
It is evident that the use of mLearning will increase in the future due to the flexibility and personalization offered by mobile devices, along with their ubiquitous nature and ease of use. Additionally, it is believed that emerging technologies in handheld devices will continue to leverage more opportunities for students and the learning process (Crow et al., 2010). MLearning will also be instrumental in placing learning in a specific context and contributing to shared learning resources (Haag, 2011). However, caution needs to be taken to avoid entrenched digital divides, digital destructions, and threats and exposing learners to poor quality online content.
References
Crow, R., Santos, I.M., LeBrown, J., McFadden, A.T., & Osborne, C.F. (2010). Switching gears: Moving from e-Learning to m-Learning. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 6(1), 268-278.
DeWitt, D., Alias, N., & Siraj, S. (2014). The design and development of a collaborative mLearning prototype for Malaysian secondary school science. Educational Technology Research and Development, 62(4), 461-480.
Haag, J. (2011). From eLearning to mLearning: The effectiveness of mobile course delivery. Web.