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Important M-Learning Considerations |
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M-learning is a type of personal learning that has
infinite possibilities; it allows more and more
people to gather knowledge on the go, to realize
their dreams of a better future. |
The possibilities of Learning through technology are becoming
infinite with the advent of computer based technologies and web
based technologies.
Electronic or e-learning incorporates all forms of online
instruction using electronic devices. Among the many branches
of E-learning is m-learning or mobile learning, which is a
natural extension of e-learning. M- Learning is facilitated by
the use of portable computing devices, like PDAs, palmtops,
smartphones, and tablet PCs.
M-learning Technologies
The conditions of the mobile network are ruthless. Given these
conditions, it is essential to select a right application
environment and design. The mobile network has a narrow
bandwidth, and delays are greater than in the PC /Wired network
which supports 2 Mbits per second.Connectivity is one of the
main differences between a mobile and a PC. There are specially
designed networks for the mobiles.
WPAN--Wireless Personal Area Network is a wireless network that
is normally limited to a small cell radius. A WPAN is used to
transfer data between a handheld device and desktop computer.
WAP-Wireless Application Protocol is an international protocol
that allows users to access the internet via their WAP enabled
mobile phones. The WAP is optimized for mobile networks with
narrow bandwidths, mobile devices with small screens and
limited, small memory storage, and limited processing and
battery power. This makes WAP a perfect option for the mobile
network.
Bluetooth-- Bluetooth is a radio standard and communications
protocol chiefly designed for low power consumption, with a
short range based on low-cost transceiver microchips in each
device. Bluetooth technology makes it possible to create
personal area networks. This enables PDAs to pass messages to
and from other mobile devices. It facilitates communication
between mobile phones, laptops, PCs, printers, digital cameras,
and video game consoles over a secure, globally unlicensed
short-range radio frequency

.GPRS-- General Packet Radio Service is a is a Mobile Data
Service available to users of GSM, In GPRS multiple users share
the same transmission channel, only transmitting when they have
data to send. This is an always ready internet connection for
mobile devices that provides greater speed of connection
(171kb/s).
UMTS--Universal Mobile Telecommunications System is one of the
third-generation mobile phone technologies. Presently, it is
the most common form uses W-CDMA as the underlying air
interface. UMTS, using W-CDMA, supports up to 14.0 Mbit/s data
transfer rates.
M-learning Process of Communication
SMS-Is a Short Message Service allows users to send/receive
text messages of around 160 characters between mobile
phones.
MMS-- Multimedia Messaging Service it is the same as SMS but
allows the users to send/receive graphics.
MP3s-- Are Audio file format that compresses audio files and
enables them to be shared by users.
CAMs-- Video cameras embedded into mobile phone and PDAs witch
allows users to take and send/receive pictures.
All these procedures are used in m-learning to enhance content
delivery.
M-learning LMS
A basic M-learning package includes a Learning Management
System (LMS), which when put together with a micro-portal
interface layer will facilitate access to m-learning services.
M-learning LMSs have also developed speech-to -text and
vice-versa and SMS facilities for devices that have minimum
multimedia functionalities. In advanced phases, m-learning LMSs
include support for collaborative learning and peer-to-peer
interaction.
Conclusion
Mobile technology is once again revolutionizing the education
industry as the dotcom once did. The kind of infiltration that
mobile phones have reached is astonishing, no other device can
come closer, not even computers. Mobiles have a global reach
not only in developed countries but also in the third world,
they can be found in every village.
Rajesh Rastogi is an Internet infopreneur who has website on
virtual learning environment Different types of LMS are
discussed including learing management system, M - learning
system and offers e-learning services
01/05/09
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rajesh_Rastogi
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