Integrating m-learning with e-learning

ABSTRACT

Wireless and mobile technology has transformed the didactic world. M-Learning is an emerging field which blends wireless technology and mobile computing to educate the world. This study investigates the effectiveness and viability of cellular technology to teach and train distance learners. The research answers following questions with reference to distance learning in Pakistan but not limited to it: Is this feasible to use cellular technology to educate people on mass scale? How can cellular technology help the Government of Pakistan face the challenge of providing education for all? What can be the motivations for the use of cellular technology instead of TV, radio and internet? What can be the limitations that may hinder the use of mobile devices for learning purpose? The distance learning models of Allama Iqbal Open University of Pakistan (AIOU) and Virtual University of Pakistan (VU) are studied to address the readiness of M-Learning environment in such universities.

It is found that cellular technology can increase the efficacy of distance education. It is well suited to teach the language skills and information technology courses. We can use cellular technology as a supplement to the existing learning technologies to reaching huge student masses, in a timely and cost effective manner, through a variety of devices and over a diverse terrain.

REFERENCES

• 1: Alexei Tretiakov , Kinshuk Kinshuk, Creating a Pervasive Testing Environment by Using SMS Messaging, Proceedings of the IEEE International Workshop on Wireless and Mobile Technologies in Education, p.62-66, November 28-30, 2005 [doi>10.1109/WMTE.2005.13]
• 2: Andrea Barker, Greig Krull, Brenda Mallinson, 2005. "A Proposed Theoretical Model for M-Learning Adoption in Developing Countries", in Proceedings of mlearn 2005 Conference, South Africa
• 3: Andreas Holzinger , Alexander Nischelwitzer , Matthias Meisenberger, Mobile Phones as a Challenge for m-Learning: Examples for Mobile Interactive Learning Objects (MILOs), Proceedings of the Third IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Computing and Communications Workshops, p.307-311, March 08-12, 2005 [doi>10.1109/PERCOMW.2005.59]
• 4: Angelo Jaun O. Ramos, 2005. "The Viability of Mobile SMS Technologies for Non-Formal Distance Learning in Asia", in Proceedings of mlearn 2005 Conference, South Africa
• 5: Hongru Qi , Minjuan Wang , Ren Tong , Ruimin Shen , Jiajun Wang , Yi Gao, The Design and Implementation of an Interactive Mobile Learning System, Proceedings of the Sixth IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, p.947-951, July 05-07, 2006
• 6: James Kadirire, 2005. "The Short Message Service (SMS) for Schools/Conferences", Conference Book - Recent Research Developments in Learning Technologies (2005), Formatex, Spain
• 7: Keith Mitchell , Nicholas J. P. Race , Duncan McCaffery , Mark Bryson , Zhen Cai, Unified and Personalized Messaging to Support E-Learning, Proceedings of the Fourth IEEE International Workshop on Wireless, Mobile and Ubiquitous Technology in Education, p.164-168, November 16-17, 2006 [doi>10.1109/WMTE.2006.41]
• 8: Luigi Colazzo, Andrea Molinari, Marco Ronchetti, Anna Trifonova, 2003. "Towards A Multi-Vendor Mobile Learning Management System", in the Proceedings of e-learn 2003 Conference, USA, Retrieved on March 7, 2007 fromhttp://www.science.unitn.it/%7Efoxy/docs/Towards%20a%20multi-vendor%20Mobile%20LMS%20(long).pdf
• 9: Marc Prensky, "What Can You Learn From A Cell Phone? - Almost Anything!", Published in - Innovate - Journal of online education, Accessed on June 20, 2008 from http://www.innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=83
• 10: Marguerite L. Koole, Practical Issues in Mobile Education, Proceedings of the Fourth IEEE International Workshop on Wireless, Mobile and Ubiquitous Technology in Education, p.142-146, November 16-17, 2006 [doi>10.1109/WMTE.2006.34]
• 11: Nazir A. Sangi, 2005. "Engineering Quality Learning through ICT - An AIOU Model for Online Education and Research", ICDE International Conference on Open Learning & Distance Education 2005, India
• 12: Patricia Thornton , Chris Houser, Using Mobile Phones in Education, Proceedings of the 2nd IEEE International Workshop on Wireless and Mobile Technologies in Education (WMTE'04), p.3, March 23-25, 2004
• 13: Saba Khalil Toor, "Hybrid Model for E-Learning at Virtual University of Pakistan", The Electronic Journal of E-Learning Volume 3 Issue 1, pp. 67--76, 2005, Available Online at http://www.ejel.org
• 14: Tsvetozar Georgiev , Evgenia Georgieva , Angel Smrikarov, m-learning: a new stage of e-learning, Proceedings of the 5th international conference on Computer systems and technologies, June 17-18, 2004, Rousse, Bulgaria [doi>10.1145/1050330.1050437]
• 15: Yousuf M. Islam , Zillur Rahman , Shafiq Shamsur Razzaq , Md. Abu Sayed , Shakib Zaman, Effect of Feedback during Lecture Style Delivery Both in a Face-to-Face Classroom & during a Distance Education Television Session in a Developing Country like Bangladesh without the Use of Internet, Proceedings of the Sixth IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, p.469-471, July 05-07, 2006

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.1 Computer Uses in Education
          Subjects: Distance learning

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.1 Computer Uses in Education
          Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction (CAI); Computer-managed instruction (CMI)
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Computer science education; Literacy

General Terms:
Design, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
cell phone, distance learning, e-learning, m-learning