Day 4
Mlearning can be viable market option for many institutions that provide distance learning. However there a few challenges of using mobile phones need to be addressed so as ensure that mobile to grow in the learning market. These include:
1. Cost- Most mobile phones that allow internet connectivity are very expensive. Also the internet plans for mobile devices are normally more expensive that other services. For users to have some time of Web enabled device to participate in mLearning could be expensive.
2. Size of the Device- The size of the keyboard and screen of mobile phones are another challenge. Many people find it difficult to read information and use the keyboard to write on a phone. If there was an inbuilt projector in the phones it could make users life easier.
3. Technology- Most mobile phones have limited storage capacity. Some phones can only store approximately 32GB of data which is far beyond the needs of most mlearning curriculum.
These challenges can deter a learner from considering a mobile learning strategy for their organization. Therefore studies need to be done on how one can improve the services and features of mobile phones for mobile to grow in the learning market
Posted in: Week 11: Mobiles
Keisha Edwards-Hamilton 5:22 am on November 18, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Conroy, I agree with all points. First, consider the cost. An iPod for example may not be affordable for all students and of course the screens are generally too small to use sophisticated applications or to read quantities of text. I really hope this will probably change in future versions as this can be a huge deterrent in the teaching and learning process.
Keisha
David William Price 6:49 am on November 18, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
These are all great points but they raise some pretty important questions.
Why do mobiles have to be expensive? Even simple feature phones offer most of the same affordances as the high-tech smartphones.
Why do they need Internet connectivity for mlearning? Apps require a single download, perhaps over WIFI or even over a PC connection. Apps allow for unlimited use without constant data transmission.
There seems to be a focus on using mobiles for reading. Why is doing a lot of reading necessary for learning? Mobiles can provide bite-sized refreshers of previously-learned information, guide or coach learners through using what they’ve learned while doing activities in the real world, capture data like photos audio and video (even my ancient cheap feature phone does this).
32GB seems like acres of room to me. My iPad has plenty of apps and barely uses a few GB. A simple feature phone is able to store plenty data in far less space. Comparing storage requirements for desktop applications to mobile applications may cause some confusion about hoe much space is required. Most of that space is used up by video.
hall 8:37 am on November 18, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi David,
Thank you for the feedback on my post. I find it very informative.
David William Price 9:34 am on November 18, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Don’t get me wrong… I’m not advocating the concept. I found researching the topic helped break down a lot of my own misconceptions about m-learning and opened up some pretty interesting opportunities to stretch my thinking… opportunities being the key focus for “educational ventures”.
kstooshnov 10:35 am on November 19, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Conroy,
Projector pen computer image
I agree that the inbuilt projector would make life a lot easier for mobile users when it come to typing and to increasing the screen size. I got really excited over a year ago when I saw the SixthSense presentation on TEDtalks, but now I’m wondering what happened to this wonderful, useful technology.
I kind of suspect somewhere in an Apple lab, designers are working on a solution to make use of digital projection for the iPhone 5 (let’s face it, they have always been leading the smartphone innovation wave, and it isn’t like Apple doesn’t have the money to buy out Pranav Mistry’s company). It seems, however, that Google (Apple’s rival) has already got their hand in the cookie jar with this innocuous post on sixth sense. Probably will be another year before we see any further development.
Kyle