A Pedagogical Framework for Mobile Learning: Categorizing Educational Applications of Mobile Technologies into Four Types

Yeonjeong Park

Virginia Tech, USA

One of the issues that we on the Education Services team are looking at is how to design effective learning using the ubiquitous mobile phone.

In this paper, Mr. Park discusses the unique ways in which mobile phones can be used to deliver and receive effective learning. As Mr. Park says, “few instructional design guidelines based on a solid theoretical framework for mobile learning exist.”

We encourage you to read this paper and participate in the discussion. Find the article at

http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/791/1788

From his conclusion:

In this paper I introduced a definition of mobile learning, outlined its characteristics, and compared it with e-learning. Despite the great potential mobile learning has and the innovative development of mobile technologies, a theoretical framework in which to review diverse mobile learning projects in the context of distance learning has been lacking.

What happens when you combine MAF - Learning Technologies' experience in the field of digital libraries with new technologies and mobile devices? Amazing opportunities appear!

Using a new database technology which enables simple synchronization between a variety of devices, MAF - Learning Technologies aims to put personal digital libraries into the hands of computer, internet tablet, and smartphone users around the world.

How could this be helpful for pastors and church leaders in the isolated parts of the world? Here's an example of what we could do with this new technology:

We are finally starting our our first phone based mobile-learning project. We're working with John Edmiston from Cybermissions to bring mobile-phone based training to pastors in the Philippines.

From December 2-4, 2010, the first-ever “Mobile Ministry Forum” assembled 16 mission strategists representing 15 organizations to focus exclusively on the mobile platform’s potential role in the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Outcomes included plans to develop a mobile ministry training curriculum, establish a global “mobile practitioner” community and expand an existing data base of mobile research. Never before in human history has there been a technology as highly personal, rapidly deployed, and universally embraced as the mobile device. The mobile device presents a unique, two-way communication channel that represents the most important technology for kingdom advancement in the next 20 years. An Executive Summary of this meeting, including essential resources for Mobile Ministry, is included in the attachment below.

Here's a link to a presentation on my vision for Mobile Learning.