M-learning 

or mobile learning is "learning across multiple contexts, through

social and content interactions, using personal electronic devices". A form
of distance education, m-learners use mobile device educational technology at
their convenient time.
You can take up learning at your own convenience even while you are on the go
using portable devices like Mobile, Mp3 players or tablets. Like any other forms of
learning m-learning also offers collaboration among students and instructors and
instant tips and feedback can be shared.
M-learning technologies include handheld computers, MP3 players, notebooks,
mobile phones and tablets. M-learning focuses on the mobility of the learner,
interacting with portable technologies. Using mobile tools for creating learning
aids and materials becomes an important part of informal learning.[3]
This highly active process has proven to increase exam scores from the fiftieth to
the seventieth percentile, and cut the dropout rate in technical fields by 22
percent.[4] M-learning also brings strong portability by replacing books and notes
with small devices, filled with tailored learning contents. M-learning has the
added benefit of being cost effective, as the price of digital content on tablets is
falling sharply compared to the traditional media (books, CD and DVD, etc.). One
digital textbook, for instance, costs one-third to half the price of a paper textbook
(AFD, 2012), with zero marginal cost.[5]
Some of the possibilities offered by this methodology, according to Fombona,
Pascual-Sevillana and González-Videgaray, are a greater and different access to
information, along with transcendent innovations, such as the increase of
informal and playful activities, iconic virtual, membership of specific groups, and
networks of friendly interaction within new scales of values.

Background
Mobile learning is the delivery of learning, education or learning support on
mobile phones, PDAs or tablets.
New mobile technology, such as hand-held based devices, is playing a large role in
redefining how people receive information. "Numerous agencies including
the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS),
Intelligence community, and law enforcement are utilizing mobile technology for
information management."
History of M-learning
Concepts of m-learning was given by Alan Kay in 1970s. He joined Xerox
Corporation's Palo Alto Research Center and formed a group to develop
"Dynabook", which is a portable and hands on personal computer. It aimed to let
children have access to the digital world. This project failed eventually due to the
lack of technological support at that time. Until 1994, first smart phone, IBM
Simon, was created by Mitsubishi Electric Corp. It was defined as a handheld
personal communicator. From then on, technological companies started to design
the so-called "smartphones". The creation of smartphone provided the platform
for mobile-learning, and current of mobile device innovation pushed mobile
learning to project and research status.
Chronologically, m-learning research has been characterized into three phases:
first phase is the focus upon devices; second is the focus on learning outside the
classroom; third phase is the focus on the mobility of the learner. At its second
phase, around 2005, a tremendous number of projects have been completed.
Here are a few benefits of mobile learning:

1. Learn Anywhere, Anytime Leading To Better Course Completion Rates

Mobile learning allows for flexibility by eliminating the need for learning to
happen at a particular time and place. Mobile learning takes learning flexibility to
another level by making instructional content like videos, podcasts, and other
multimedia formats available on smartphones and devices. Learners have an
added advantage of accessing the content wherever and whenever they want.
Mobile learning seamlessly integrates learning into the daily routine of the
learner, which results in successful course completion and retention of
knowledge.

2. Bite-Sized Delivery Leading To Faster Learning

The shift towards microlearning and creating learning that can be digested in bite-
sized "chunks" has been heavily influenced by the adoption of mobiles as a mode
of learning. Since the real estate is small, the content presented is crisp and
concise. Information is more readily accessible when needed for on-the-job
training. This helps in avoiding cognitive overload and increases learning.
3. Improves Knowledge Retention And Information Recall

Mobile learning leads to improved knowledge retention thanks to the fact that
learners are more likely to remember crisp and concise data at the moment of
need, which they find relevant and relatable. Thus, they will be able to recall
information while at work and perform their job to the best of their ability, given
that they have committed the subject matter to their long-term memory.

4. Personalization Leading To A Higher Rate Of Engagement

One of the widely known advantages of mobile learning is personalization. The

tailor-made courses promote a higher rate of engagement and motivation for
learners. Moreover, the fact that mobile learning is accessible at any time, any
place helps learners stay on track with training.

5. Availability

When you adopt mobile learning in a digital training strategy, there is a unique

advantage of 24x7 availability. Whenever an employee is about to perform a task,
for example, or give a sales pitch about a recent product, they can quickly take
out their phone and launch a short course that helps them brush up their key
concepts. Such a just-in-time Performance Support lays a strong foundation for
the employees.

6. Responsive Design Leading To Easy Adoption And Future Proofing The Content

We’ve all experienced how certain websites that look great on our PCs do not
come across well on our smartphones. And same would be true for mobile
learning if it weren’t for responsive design. Responsive design enables the
interface to adapt to multiple device sizes, whether it’s desktop, laptop,
smartphone, or tablet. Responsive design goes hand-in-hand with mobile
learning. This shift has helped to "future-proof" the content and design, as mobile
technology advances.
Advantages of M-Learning
 M-Learning can be deployed in Software as a Service(SAAS) format to provide
anytime, anywhere access.
 It offers freedom and power of choice and students can take up courses while
on the go.
 M-Learning offers rich content on mobile even at a slower connection.
 With the help of a mobile device like a smart phone or PDA students can
access the course content, download them and track their progress.
 It offers portability to students as students do not require carrying bulky
copies, books and files.

Disadvantages of M-Learning
 The M-Learning technology needs to develop more to provide better learning
experience. At present it is incapable of integrating complex functionality that
requires higher CPU power like 3D graphics.
 Limited storage capacity of the mobile device prevents storing large volume of
learning materials.
 Some of the M-Learning techniques are not available in all types of phones.

Despite few of the disadvantages of M-Learning, it is an emerging technology and

is definitely the future of learning. This is the next generation of e-learning.
Development in sophisticated devices like PDA, tablet PC and smart phones are
supplementing to the growth of M-Learning. M-Learning is not about the device
but about the connectivity, capabilities and experience. Learning through mobile
should be a choice and part of a larger learning environment.