Mobile Learning: Activity Theory And Theories Of Mobile Communication Learning

In this paper a framework for theorizing about mobile learning to complement theories of formal and informal learning are presented. As such, activity theory will form the main theoretical lens through which the elements involved in formal and informal learning for mobile learning will be explored, specifically related to context-aware mobile learning application. The author believes that the complexity of the relationships involved can best be analyzed using activity theory. Activity theory, as a social and cultural psychology theory, can be used not only to design a mobile learning environment, but to develop an optimal artifact, through investigation of inherent system's contradictions. As such.It serves as a powerful modeling tool explore …show more content…
Also, for each domain the main criteria, which must be considered during developing the mobile learning system, are revealed. Mobile usability is the main domain in the mobile learning system. Issues, which involve mobile device’s usability, are such as mobile device type, mobile device features and mobile content design methods. The contributions of mobile usability research to this study assist to identify the requirements of each mobile device’s capability to offer services in a usable manner. Providing services for mobile devices without considering the usability issues is a useless effort. Users utilize the mobile devices and use the services if they feel that the services are usable and do not consume extra time. The main issue, which should be to study carefully when developing academic tool kit services for mobile devices, is the content of the mobile services, the service types, requirement of each service and the service limitations. The second essential element of a mobile learning system is the network connection, especially wireless network technology. Issues which are related to the wireless networks which directly influence the mobile learning systems, are network infrastructure and operators rolls. The unique feature of the m- learning system is the …show more content…
There is a need for collaborative group activities that promote student social interaction in the classroom. Handheld computers interconnected by a wireless network allow people who work on a common task to interact face-to-face while maintaining the mediation afforded by a technology-based system. Wirelessly interconnected handhelds open up new opportunities for introducing collaboration and thereby changing classroom pedagogical practices. Positive effects were observed on student social interaction, motivation and learning. The proposed conceptual framework affords practitioners and researchers the opportunity to anticipate the use of technology in a nuance rich