mLearning @ USP

Mobile learning is any sort of learning that happens when the learner is not at a fixed, predetermined location or learning that happens when the learner takes advantage of the learning opportunities offered by mobile technologies.

These technologies makes learning easy for any user. Devices such as Mobile phones, notebooks, laptops, PDAs etc can be used.  Limitations of learning as in everywhere are overcome by using m-learning as it provides mobility through the use of portable mobile devices.

M- Learning allows assessments and learning to be done via mobile devices virtually everywhere. There is a transition from traditional face to face learning; to e-learning and finally it evolved to m-learning.

Benefits of mLearning in the Pacific Region

• Flexibility and convenience of mobile access 24/7 any time any where (i.e. don’t have to come to campus to log on.  This will help people who live in the villages and other islands)
• More Availability: Mobile phones are most prevailed ICT device, more than PC.
• Smart Phones, Smart Tablets are getting cheaper and capability/performance is getting better.
•   Interaction with fellow students and instructors will be a great help and this will promote combined study. This can help several students to work together on assignments even while remaining at far-flung locations.
•  Interaction with fellow students and instructors will be a great help and this will promote combined study. This can help several students to work together on assignments even while remaining at far-flung locations.
• Flexible hours so students do not have to be on campus and teacher support can be expected even outside classrooms and other learning environments.
•  Improved ability to communicate with our students via SMS (not all check their student email accounts so miss notices).  Assuming there is a high % of mobile ownership amongst students (they all seem to have one!)
•  Easing up on the demand for USP provided computers/hardware, as students/staff will use their own devices to do their study/work
•  Communicating and offering services compatible with today’s youth and the way they like to receive/provide information (i.e. mobile phones and devices are glued to their hands!)
• Providing “just in time” access to information
• Coverage of mobile is wider than F2F and current USPNET (80% coverage for Vanuatu).
•  Handsets are more affordable than laptops. The number of handsets in Vanuatu is twice the number of its population (according to presenter at Vanuatu Principals ICT conference.)

 (Source of Image: A Day In The Life Of An M-Learner)