M-Tools
Mobile learning allows flexibility with both learning and location. Mobile technology, being a common technology that can 'fit in our pocket', allows such flexibility. Devices that have the capability to support Internet-based interaction outside of the confines of a wireless router make mobile devices powerful tools in education. Learners remain in contact with materials, peers and instructors while 'on the go'.
Mobile Devices: The Smartphone
Commonly accepted as the flagship mobile device, the modern Smartphone, has much of the capabilities that a desktop computer has. Many of these functions allow the learner to utilize the basic functions of the Smartphone along with various applications to both create and consume knowledge.
Basic Smartphone functionality that supports learning includes: display (touch screen); memory and storage; modems (communication); camera; sensors and the ability to send and receive information via a wireless network .
Commonly accepted as the flagship mobile device, the modern Smartphone, has much of the capabilities that a desktop computer has. Many of these functions allow the learner to utilize the basic functions of the Smartphone along with various applications to both create and consume knowledge.
Basic Smartphone functionality that supports learning includes: display (touch screen); memory and storage; modems (communication); camera; sensors and the ability to send and receive information via a wireless network .
Connectivity and 4G
Often you will see a mobile device stating that it is capable of supporting 2G, 3G or 4G. The G simply stands for "Generation" of the mobile network. Simply put, the higher the generation,the more capability the device has to send and receive information via a wireless or mobile network.
This type of technology is not limited to Smartphones. Many tablets and laptops come equipped with 4G, expanding upon the idea that only Smartphones can provide the flexibility required for M-Learning to be successful.
Often you will see a mobile device stating that it is capable of supporting 2G, 3G or 4G. The G simply stands for "Generation" of the mobile network. Simply put, the higher the generation,the more capability the device has to send and receive information via a wireless or mobile network.
This type of technology is not limited to Smartphones. Many tablets and laptops come equipped with 4G, expanding upon the idea that only Smartphones can provide the flexibility required for M-Learning to be successful.
Viewing, Typing and Texting
One of the Smartphone's weaknesses is the limited screen size. This can inhibit the user's ability to type in an efficient and effective way.
One of the Smartphone's weaknesses is the limited screen size. This can inhibit the user's ability to type in an efficient and effective way.
Viewing
Simple applications such as Google Chromecast, or its various alternatives, allow users to duplicate the visuals of the Smartphone screen to another viewing device such as a television. Such applications remove the need to connect a Smartphone directly to the desired viewing device should the user wish to view materials in a larger screen. The shortcoming of many of these systems is, however, that they require a WiFi connection.
Typing and texting
Smartphones can be connected to a standard keyboard, but with the advent of Bluetooth wireless keyboards, a users ability to use a larger or full sized keyboard is made now possible.
Can we have it all?
As technology continues to advance, the integration of functions that can overcome such issues will become more commonplace. Currently, there are Smartphones with built in projectors as well as a number of virtual keyboards projectors that can be used with the Smartphone to improve keyboard function.
Technology innovator, Levono, is expected to release a Smartphone capable of projecting, not only the video and images onto surfaces, but also an interactive screen. This technology will allow the user to project not only a keyboard, but interact with a magnified application directly on a flat surface in the same manner the user would with a tablet. Technology such as this has the potential to create Smartphones with the same capabilities as a laptop or desktop without a loss of flexibility.
Simple applications such as Google Chromecast, or its various alternatives, allow users to duplicate the visuals of the Smartphone screen to another viewing device such as a television. Such applications remove the need to connect a Smartphone directly to the desired viewing device should the user wish to view materials in a larger screen. The shortcoming of many of these systems is, however, that they require a WiFi connection.
Typing and texting
Smartphones can be connected to a standard keyboard, but with the advent of Bluetooth wireless keyboards, a users ability to use a larger or full sized keyboard is made now possible.
Can we have it all?
As technology continues to advance, the integration of functions that can overcome such issues will become more commonplace. Currently, there are Smartphones with built in projectors as well as a number of virtual keyboards projectors that can be used with the Smartphone to improve keyboard function.
Technology innovator, Levono, is expected to release a Smartphone capable of projecting, not only the video and images onto surfaces, but also an interactive screen. This technology will allow the user to project not only a keyboard, but interact with a magnified application directly on a flat surface in the same manner the user would with a tablet. Technology such as this has the potential to create Smartphones with the same capabilities as a laptop or desktop without a loss of flexibility.