MOBILE LEARNING (m-learning) refers to the use of mobile and pocket IT devices, such as PDAs, mobile phones, and laptops in teaching and learning. (Karen, 2003) It also means people can learn and gain information just from their pocket devices. There is no need to go to the classroom or sit in front of their work station because they can still learn while in sitting in traffic, waiting in line, or even during a trip.

Using mobile and pocket IT devices with wireless networks enables m-Learning. The difference between m-Learning and traditional learning are the delivery systems. The "m" in m-Learning stands for "mobile." There are plenty of approaches to process m-Learning. One strategy for m-learning is delivering instructional materials over the wireless Internet to learners' mobile devices. This allows the student to access learning materials and events wherever wireless Internet is available.

M-Learning processes.

The types of m-Learning systems are shown at the right. M-Learning systems can be classified by the type of mobile devices (notebooks, tablet PCs, PDAs, cell phones, and so on) and the type of wireless communication technologies (GSM, IEEE 802.11,Bluetooth, etc.) they support. (Evgeniya, Angel, Tsvetozar 2005) 

Types of m-Learning communication systems.

In the classroom, m-Learning provides rich and flexible interaction between instructors and learners. For example, when lecturing in a huge classroom, how are students in a hundred-seat capacity room able to ask questions? With Mobile technologies support, the student can just send a text message to the online discussion board, and it will be presented via the screen on the front wall. The instructor and other students readily see the questions being asked. M-Learning allows a collaborative and accessible learning experience that integrates with the world beyond the classroom.

M-Learning supports synchronous learning. This gives students the ability to communicate with teachers and other students immediately. For example, an elementary school teacher leads a class of 4th grade kids to the zoo for a field trip. The teacher can text the message to every child to find three kinds of animals with horns, and kids can answer in the real time. For these types of purposes, voice communication and chat are used more frequently, and rarely is communication by video needed.

M-Learning supports asynchronous learning as well. This is used more often after class is dismissed, or if learners are unable to attend class in person. For example, a group of kids in China need to help their family work on the farm. They can receive instructional materials and assignments via mobile devices. After work, they can send asynchronous information by emailing and/or typing messages on their cell phones.

The European Union is currently funding a three year project called m-Learning. Partners include the Learning and Skills Development Agency, Ultralab, and CTAD. The purpose is to encourage disengaged young people to return to learning, and to attempt to combat the digital divide. m-Learning is a 3 year European research and development program supported by the European Commission's Information Society Technologies (IST) program.

Mobile Learning, having drawn a great deal of attention and application in the US and European countries, is just entering China's K-12 and higher education. Several K-12 schools participated in a mobile inquiry program about birds; several others use mobile devices for students and teachers to exchange short text-messaging. In higher education, leading institutions have attempted to create mobile virtual classrooms. The E-learning Lab of Shanghai Jiaotong University (SJTU), for instance, has successfully delivered sample broadcasts of its online courses to cell phones and PDAs, including a college-level English course to about 50 campus students and 30 online students. 

Learning while on a trip.

As mobile technologies continue to evolve, m-Learning will grow as a rich, collaborative and conversational experience, whether in classrooms, homes, waiting in line, or even while traveling.

Further Education Resources for Learning: m-Learning
m-Learning 

Yu-han (Grace) Huang, Graduate student ，SDSU Educational Technology
Huang, Y. (2005). Mobile learning. In B. Hoffman (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Educational Technology.