A Review of Literature in Mobile Learning: Affordances and Constraints

Mobile learning, sometimes referred to as ‘m-learning’ or ‘handheld learning,’ has become a new focus for technical issues as well as pedagogical issues for instructional technology [1, 2]. This paper reviews literature that deals with the definition of mobile learning, distinguishing it from traditional e-learning. It also reviews the affordances and constraints of mobile learning, and addresses how mobile learning is being deployed as a supplement to traditional e-learning or in addition to a classroom. Later, the paper reviews the learning theories that are addressed in the literature, as well as the strategies employed for mobile learning development. Finally the paper reveals some of the gaps in research literature.

[1]  Miguel Nussbaum,et al.  A constructivist mobile learning environment supported by a wireless handheld network , 2004, J. Comput. Assist. Learn..

[2]  Carol Savill-Smith,et al.  The use of palmtop computers for learning: a review of the literature , 2005, Br. J. Educ. Technol..

[3]  Scott Motlik.  Mobile Learning in Developing Nations , 2008 .

[4]  Hokyoung Ryu,et al.  Designing Learning Activities with Mobile Technologies , 2009 .

[5]  Jason G. Caudill,et al.  The Growth of m-Learning and the Growth of Mobile Computing: Parallel developments , 2007 .

[6]  Charalambos Vrasidas,et al.  Using On-Line Technologies And Handhelds To Scaffold Students’ Argumentation In Science , 2008 .

[7]  Sanghoon Park,et al.  Toward New Definition of M-Learning , 2004 .

[8]  Haoyang Che,et al.  An exposition of the crucial issues in China's educational informatization , 2005 .

[9]  Lalita S. Kumar,et al.  Mobile Learning and Student Retention , 2007 .

[10]  Peter Lonsdale,et al.  Mobile technologies and learning , 2004 .

[11]  J. Traxler.  Defining, Discussing and Evaluating Mobile Learning: The moving finger writes and having writ . . . . , 2007 .

[12]  Wan Ng,et al.  Introducing pocket PCs in schools: Attitudes and beliefs in the first year , 2009, Comput. Educ..

[13]  Jie-Chi Yang,et al.  Affordances of mobile technologies for experiential learning: the interplay of technology and pedagogical practices , 2007, J. Comput. Assist. Learn..

[14]  Yen-Ting Lin,et al.  Toward interactive mobile synchronous learning environment with context-awareness service , 2008, Comput. Educ..

[15]  Peter E. Doolittle.  iPods as Mobile Multimedia Learning Environments: Individual Differences and Instructional Design , 2009 .

[16]  G. D. Chen,et al.  Ubiquitous learning website: Scaffold learners by mobile devices with information-aware techniques , 2008, Comput. Educ..

[17]  Michael Grahame.  Continuing Thoughts on Social Networking , 2008 .

[18]  Daniel Churchill,et al.  Learning object design considerations for small-screen handheld devices , 2007, Comput. Educ..

[19]  Teresa Franklin,et al.  PDAs in Teacher Education: A Case Study Examining Mobile Technology Integration , 2007 .

[20]  Mike Moore,et al.  Distance Education: A Systems View , 1995 .

[21]  Mike Sharples,et al.  A theory of learning for the mobile age: learning through conversation and exploration across contexts , 2010 .

[22]  Marco Ronchetti,et al.  Where is Mobile Learning Going , 2003 .

[23]  Gill Clough,et al.  Informal learning with PDAs and smartphones , 2008, J. Comput. Assist. Learn..