by M. Pratibha
Professor & HoD, Mahaveer Institute of Science and Technology, Vyasapuri, Bandlaguda, Hyderabad-500005, INDIA.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21013/978819406928705
The main purpose of this study is to highlight the academic benefits and usage of mobile technology, which is already popular for non-academic purposes. The present study is based on personal observation, literature review, and interviews. Increasing the use of mobile phones indicates learners‘ inclination towards mobile learning. The benefits of mobiles are huge in number, ranging from portability, interactivity, connectivity, individuality, more mobility, motivational tool, flexible delivery, etc. The continuous increasing availability of mobile technology is making access to learning more affordable for anyone who wants to learn. Mobile technologies are more accessible with the introduction of gesture-based interaction and affective computing. The most common mobile technology is a mobile telephone. During their free-time, many individuals would prefer to be with mobiles, particularly the phone, anywhere-anytime. This particular interest of learners could be grabbed for fulfilling the learning needs of an individual. Mobile technologies provide the capability for training that can be made suitable to the needs of the individual learner and different worksites. Some of the most popular educational uses of mobiles by higher education students at the tertiary level are calculator usage, text messaging, and English dictionary. Some of the well-known factors in the educational use of mobiles are multiple capabilities, long battery life, and good network coverage. The main features of mobile technology include the availability of mobile devices and cellular connectivity for these devices. Learning can be transformed by our accepting and institutionalizing mobile technology. Learners are in need of these skills in order to secure their place in the globally competitive economy. Since the usage of mobile technologies is an upward trend, it seems that mobile learning has a unique place in mainstream education.
Keywords: Skills Development, m-Learning, m-technology, teaching, learning, Employability
This chapter is a part of: The Economics of Skills: Pathways to Employability (Eds. Sunil Sharma, FCS & MSS El Namaki, PhD)
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