M-learning

Finding a place for mobile technologies within tertiary educational settings

Abstract

Today's students have grown up with enormous access to digital technology in the last decades of the 20^th century. As educators we are left to grapple with what form and shape learning will look like in tertiary settings in the next few decades? The use of M-Learning tools themselves does not guarantee their potential being realised. The key to success is the ability of educators to design and develop pedagogically sound opportunities and environments that enhances learning. This presentation will provide an overview of what is currently happening regarding M-Learning in tertiary institutions and it will look at the conclusions of these initiatives. It will highlight the challenges and issues confronting tertiary educators when planning and catering for the needs, preferences, attitudes and habits of young Generation C mobile technology users and look at the potential applications or uses of M-Learning in the tertiary context. It will present a brief description of M- Learning initiatives currently being trialed at Queensland University of Technology. The paper will conclude with a brief examination of educational policy developments regarding M-Learning around the world and a summary of the changes facing tertiary educational settings.