Examining the progression of mobile technologies and their applications to learning environment: Implications for m-learning in Africa

Dankasa, Jacob; University of North Texas, Denton

Abstract

Mobile technologies are promising features that point to the future of instruction and learning. This paper reviews literature on mobile technology in order to identify areas of focus for researchers with interest in Africa towards contextualizing the use of mobile technology for mobile learning (m-learning) within the African experience. It examined the uses of mobile technologies as explored by researchers and pointed out the benefits and drawbacks. This paper extracted the recommendations of researchers on how to overcome or correct the setbacks to the implementation of mobile technology into the learning environment. It recommended offline access to learning materials on mobile devices to be seriously contemplated for m-learning in Africa. There is need for further research in the developing world of Africa to measure the outcome of offline mobile learning and its effects on cost reduction, and to develop theoretical frameworks that will evaluate programs, learners and instructors for building effective instructional design using the mobile technologies. This paper draws a roadmap and sets the ball rolling for designers of mobile learning modules, instructors and researchers in the field of education to work in situating learning with mobile technology as a method of choice in the learning environment. It also demonstrates to learners the much functionality their mobile devices offer them in attaining their educational goals.

Date

2014-03-18

Type

documentary analysis

Identifier

oai:ojs.www.consortiacademia.org:article/825
http://www.consortiacademia.org/index.php/ijrset/article/view/825
10.5861/ijrset.2014.825

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