Effectiveness of mobile learning across various settings

Abstract

This paper reviews three ‘mobile learning’ projects to understand the nature of and extent to which learning is enhanced and facilitated by the inclusion of mobile technologies in the different teaching/learning activities that were carried out. Reviews will be taken from a number of projects; Mobile Learning in Informal Science Settings (MELISSA),Mobile Clinical Learning and Out There in Here (OTIH) projects. Melissa was a European project dealing with a range of learning systems. The Mobile Clinical Learning project investigated the potential of learning resources provided in Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and the ways in which clinical learning within two comparative health care institutions can be supported by using small handheld computers. OTIH is seeking to support collaborative remote experimentation where learners work together in different contexts. Within these projects a range of mobile devices (e.g. smartphones, laptops, ipads) were used to allow a broader understanding of a changing mobile device landscape. The research literature suggests that learning opportunities are more likely to arise in environments where interaction is facilitated. By reviewing these projects we are able to identify elements that are facilitated by mobile technologies and explore ways that learning is supported