Mobile learning: Definition & Studies

According to Crompton (2013, 3-15) Mobile Learning or M-Learning is "learning across multiple contexts, through social and content interactions, using personal electronic devices". Grant (2019) defined mobile learning as learning that integrates mobile computing devices (such as cell phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, e-readers, mp3 players, and wearables) with learning and teaching.

Discussing about the benefits of integrating M-Learning in the classroom Lim and Churchill (2016) pointed out that mobile learning offers a set of tools for the enhancement of teaching and learning. Also, Sung et al. (2016, 252–253) stated that “mobile technologies have great potential for facilitating more innovative educational methods. Simultaneously, these patterns in educational methods will likely not only help subject content learning, but may also facilitate the development of communication, problem-solving, creativity, and other high-level skills among students”.

On the other hand, O’Bannon and Thomas (2014) mentioned in their study the potential of disruption, cheating, cyberbullying, and accessing improper content on the Internet as significant obstacles to using mobile phones in the classroom. So, it seems that the use of mobile devices has its advantages and disadvantages. Maybe, we should focus more on how we can eliminate the disadvantages by creating instructional material suitable for mobile learning and manage the amount of time we spend on these devices productively

References

Crompton, H. (2013). “A historical overview of m-learning: toward learner centered education,” in Handbook of Mobile Learning, eds Z. L. Berge and L. Muilenburg (New York, NY: Routledge), 3–15 Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263852116_A_historical_overview_of_mobile_learning_Toward_learner-centered_education

Grant, M. M. (2019). Difficulties in defining mobile learning: Analysis, design characteristics, and implications. Education Technology Research and Development, 67(2). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330119155_Difficulties_in_defining_mobile_learning_analysis_design_characteristics_and_implications

Lim, C., & Churchill, D. (2016). Mobile learning. Interactive Learning Environments, 24(2). https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10494820.2015.1113705

O’Bannon, B., & Thomas, K. (2014). Teacher perceptions of using mobile phones in the classroom: Age matters! Computers & Education, 74 (2014), 15–25. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282577009_Teacher_Perceptions_of_Using_Mobile_Phones_in_the_Classroom_Age_Matters

Sung, Y., Chang, K., & Liu, T. (2016). The effects of integrating mobile devices with teaching and learning on students' learning performance: A meta-analysis and research synthesis. Computers & Education, 94, 252–275. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360131515300804?via%3Dihub