Wireless implementation of a mobile learning environment based on students' expectations

In this paper, we describe the educational opportunities of teaching in a wireless classroom using notebooks and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Specific mobile learning applications in wireless classrooms are developed for students and teachers, which is accessible on a Pocket PC and notebook computer. We have conducted a survey among university students and lecturers on the weaknesses faced in a conventional classroom and asked their opinion on what type of mobile learning applications they would intend to use in a classroom to help them learn and teach effectively. From the survey we provide a variety of tools such as mobile learning courseware system, which can be accessed on a Pocket PC, classroom group discussion, audio chat facility using Session Initiation Protocol and online assessments. Real-time chat is proposed to allow students and lecturers to communicate with each other during class. We also look into the didactic aspects of mobile learning and the usability issues in accessing information on mobile devices.

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