A synthesis of mobile learning literature in education, business, and medicine

Abstract

M-leaming, or using a mobile device as a tool for learning, is a relatively new phenomenon. This project examined m-leaming within Education, Business, and Medicine.Specifically, three types of mobile devices were examined within the three sub-categories of m-leaming: the mobile phone or smartphone, the iPod, and the PDA. A mixed-method design was used to review 40 m-leaming articles and to synthesize the literature to explore mleaming projects around the world. The literature revealed that m-leaming was used in many parts of the world, and mostly in North America, within all three fields. There were also numerous projects in Europe, Asia, the United Kingdom, and in Oceania. Mobile phones, smartphones, iPods, and PDAs were used in all three fields.