Trends in Distance Education and Open Learning: Policy ... - ADEA

A Framework for Mobile Learning and TrainingWe have presented the various frameworks applied in the literature and on real lifeprojects in Part I of this document. The framework proposed in this research study hasbeen inspired from existing frameworks with the aim to provide a pragmatic simple tool forany institution to plan and implement for any mobile learning project. Emphasis is laidupon here on the project management approach. A mobile learning project is beforeeverything a project that requires proper project management and leadership to besuccessful.The first step of applying the framework would be to setup an m-learning projectcommittee to lead and drive the project. This committee should comprise the differentstakeholders namely a chairman, a technologist, a pedagogue, network operator, subjectspecialist and a student in case of higher education.The 10 components to be considered within the framework are grouped into 2 blocks, theconceptual phase and the running phase. In a timeline the running phase comes after theconceptual phase but the components in one block are not necessarily consecutive. Eachcomponent comprises a set of queries, questions and computations that need to beaddressed in the decision making process.Currently, each m-learning project is a unique project, the standardization andcommercialization of the mobile projects have not yet enabled reuse or replication ofthose projects in other situations and contexts. Presently, there are few off the shelvesproducts for m-learning contrary to e-learning or traditional distance education replicationor transposition from one country to another was quite feasible, smooth and effective.Subsequently, all mobile learning scenarios need to be looked upon on a case to case basiswith the appropriate questions and checklists listed below must be answered first.89