E-learning on Mobile Phones

The main advantage of E-learning is independence of both location and time. However the minimum requirement of E-learning is a personal computer, which has to be fixed at one place. Even the use of notebooks could not fulfill the independence of both location and time requirements because location independency depends on the ever-changing technology. Using technological devices such as Mobile phones can solve these types of problems. For example, globally mobile phones are being widely used and the number of users is still increasing. Since the majority of students both at secondary schools and universities have a mobile phone at hand most of the time, Mobile Learning (M-learning) could be a new tool for assisting learning in future.

Learning is a fundamental cognitive process of mental and social change over an entire lifetime. Presently, the methodology and the pattern of learning are changing-- especially in the universities. Even in the schools there is a total revamping of Learning processes. Different institutions are following different methods of teaching and learning processes. In this the new technology plays a vital role and it offers an opportunity for learners to communicate and interact with multi-media learning resources and simulated environments. Consequently, these emerging technologies can enhance motivation levels of students, which is the most important aspect of learning, deliver information when needed and encourage solving problems and satisfy their curiosity.

The use of mobile devices can expand learning possibilities and solve the problem of being tied to a particular location. In a broader sense the combination of E-learning and mobile computing is called Mobile learning (M-learning). M- learning provides a way to access the applications that support learning anywhere, anytime.

Some of the advantages of e learning on mobile phones are:

With M-learning there is no need to wait at all. Wherever and whenever the learning is required it can be easily achieved via the mobile phones.

Mobile phones can be easily carried. Why go around with a stack of books or an awkward laptop when the same thing can be learned on mobile phones?

There are many ways m learning can be used and it is not confined to any specific age, gender or any group.

Collaboration that is great learning rarely happens alone. One of the best ways to succeed, is to work together i.e. share and exchange ideas with classmates. With the help of M-learning one can work out the problems online and get the tips and feedback immediately.

Hence, e-learning on the mobile phones is the latest important feature of the mobile phones.