Survey and analysis of current mobile learning applications and technologies

Abstract

Distance learning, electronic learning, and mobile learning offer content, methods, and technologies that decrease the limitations of traditional education. Mobile learning (m-learning) is an extension of distance education, supported by mobile devices equipped with wireless technologies. It is an emerging learning model and process that requires new forms of teaching, learning, contents, and dynamics between actors. In order to ascertain the current state of knowledge and research, an extensive review of the literature in m-learning has been undertaken to identify and harness potential factors and gaps in implementation. This article provides a critical analysis of m-learning projects and related literature, presenting the findings of this aforementioned analysis. It seeks to facilitate the inquiry into the following question: “What is possible in m-learning using recent technologies?” The analysis will be divided into two main parts: applications from the recent online mobile stores and operating system standalone applications.

Usability Studies on Mobile User Interface Design Patterns: A Systematic Literature Review

“…They also provided a list of currently available hardware and software solutions, as well as the main features. Pereira and Rodrigues [26] made a survey on mobile learning applications and technologies. The article provided an analysis of mobile learning projects, as well as the findings of the analysis.…”

Profiles of students who use mobile devices for the purposes of learning science and mathematics

“…Samamoodi on neile välja töötatud mitmesuguseid õpiotstarbelisi rakendusi, nt MathBoard, Math Bingo, Wolfram Algebra Course Assistant, Star Chart, Mobile Observatory, Physics Formula Calculator, millest igaühel on sadu tuhandeid kasutajaid (vt Pereira & Rodrigues, 2013), kuid uuringud nende tõhususe kohta on sageli vasturääkivad või väikese üldistusvõimega (vt ülevaadet Hassler, Major, & Hennessy, 2016). Sellest hoolimata näitavad mobiilsete vahendite kasutamise metaanalüüsid, et uuringutes kesken dutakse enamasti kasutamise tõhususele ja õpisüsteemide disainile (Hwang & Tsai, 2011;Wu et al, 2012), mitte kasutusviisidele, mis on praeguse uurimuse käsitlusala.…”

Review of Trends in Mobile Learning Studies in Mathematics: A Meta-Analysis

“…4,5] and those who have focused on the device and software [e.g. 6]. Although these meta-analyses provide a rich source of information on mobile learning, they do not provide a wealth of data on a particular subject.…”

“…Other recent meta-analysis [e.g. 4,6,5] have used only peer reviewed articles. This is problematic as journals on average take eight to nine months to be published.…”