I was just considering this question this weekend after pulling out my phone for the 6th or 7th time to look something up. Looking at the wikipedia it appears that maybe I was learning throughout the weekend.
The scope of mobile learning includes:
- Children and students using handheld computers, PDAs or handheld voting systems in a classroom or lecture room.
- Students using mobile devices in the classroom to enhance group collaboration among students and instructors using a Pocket PC.
- On the job training for someone who accesses training on a mobile device “just in time” to solve a problem or gain an update.
- Learning in museums or galleries with handheld or wearable technologies
- Learning outdoors, for example on field trips.
- The use of personal technology to support informal or lifelong learning, such as using handheld dictionaries and other devices for language learning.
So finding my way to that party, looking up a phone number, checking the movie listings, peeking in on facebook. Are those actions considered m-learning? Was looking at a blog or seeing when the next meteor shower was to occur? Maybe. Perhaps m-learning is a much smaller scope then I originally thought and can be facilitated with just small chunks of info. Something to keep a course intriguing, interesting, and a new venue for engagement.
(uh-oh is it mlearning or m-learning….lol….let’s not get started)