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History of M-learning

Concepts of m-learning was given by Alan Kay in 1970's. He joined Xerox Corporation's Palo Alto Research Center and formed a group to develop "Dynabook", which is a portable and hands on personal computer. It aimed to let children have access to the digital world. This project failed eventually due to the lack of technological support at that time. Until 1994, first smart phone, IBM Simon, was created by Mitsubishi Electric Corp. It was defined as a handheld personal communicator. From then on, technological companies started to design the so-called "smartphones". The creation of smartphone provided the platform for mobile-learning, and current of mobile device innovation pushed mobile learning to project and research status.

Chronologically, m-learning research has been characterized into three phases: first phase is the focus upon devices; second is the focus on learning outside the classroom; third phase is the focus on the mobility of the learner. At its second phase, around year of 2005, tremendous amount of projects has been done, four major projects are "The Leonardo da Vinci project From e-learning to m-learning led by Ericsson Education Dublin", "The Leonardo da Vinci project Mobile learning: the next generation of learning led by Ericsson Education Dublin", "The IST project M-Learning led by the United Kingdom government Learning and Skills Development Agency (LSDA)" and "The IST project MOBILearn led by Giunti Ricerca of Genoa, Italy". These projects are mainly targeted on the effects of m-learning, like motivation to learn, engagement in learning activities and focus on special needs people ; they set the tone for mobile learning, m-learning is prepared to transfer from project status to mainstream education and training.

And M-learning research is globalized now: Africa, Asia, North America, Europe, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand all have remarkable achievement on this field.

Definition of M-learning

Mobile learning, also called m-learning, is defined as education or training through the use of portable wireless devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (pads), personal computers and small tablet PCs, to achieve the goal of mobility and interactivity.

Aspects of M-learning

Along with the development of m-learning, many theories about mobile educations are raised by researchers, major aspects are listed:

"Mobile learning is learning happens when technological tools mediates between the learner and knowledge.

Mobile learning uses mobile technology.

Mobile learning as a continuation of e-learning.

Mobile learning as learning about the learner-centered: where the learner is mobile and not necessarily technology."

Characterization of M-learning

- It can get access to information and educational experience faster than other media.

- It is supported by portable devices, its mobility makes it easy to use.

- Comparing to other methods of learning, the cost of M-learning is relatively low

- Exchange of information can be encrypted or private.

- It is easy to access all kinds of information