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Technology and learning

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Learning with Mobile Phones

The UK is a nation of mobile phone users, with around 90% of the population being mobile users.  There has been much recent interest in using mobile phones, and other devices such as pocket PC's and PDA's, in learning. Quizzes via text, java based games and specialist software for Pocket PC's are all examples of how these technologies could be used.  Collectively, this is known as m-learning.

Our research in Hull around technology and learning touched on the subject of mobile phones and their use in learning. There were several issues raised during the research that potentially impact on the likelihood of individuals to engage with this type of learning as part of a course.

The first issue is what people use their mobiles for.  Some respondents viewed their mobile as just a device for making calls; they either didn't know how to use any other functions, or weren't interested in them.  Those people who use their phones to text, play games, take pictures and view it as more than just a telephone are more likely to be happy to engage with m-learning as they have experience of using their mobile for a range of purposes.

Another issue was of health.  The ongoing debate in the media about health risks of mobile use made some reluctant to use them, or to limit their use as far as possible.  Those who have these concerns would not be likely to want to engage with something that meant they had to use mobiles more and, in their eyes, expose themselves to higher levels of risk.

Lastly, some had concerns about the possibility of having mobiles stolen, and the fact that they often had lots of personal information on them, which would be lost and could be misused.  Providers using m-learning would need to ensure that if a phone was lost or stolen, the data from the learning was held elsewhere, and that personal information was kept securely.

However, it is clear that there is potential for mobile phones to be integrated in a blended approach to learning amongst those who are competent and enthusiastic users of mobile phones and similar devices.