M-Learning Application in Training at Universities Dr. Tran Trung Nguyen Viet Dung, M.A

1. M-learning Overview Viewpoints of M-learning: The first one: taking the mobility of learning devices into consideration The second one: taking the mobility of both learning devices and learners into consideration

1. M-learning Overview Features of M – learning: M-learning focuses on learning with contexts and mobile devices. M-learning is convenient because thanks to it, learners can access the learning material resource everywhere and they can find it easy to cooperate and immediately share the learning resource.

1. M-learning Overview Briefly, it can be understood that M-learning is the learning method which can help learners to study anytime, anywhere or give them opportunities to study through mobile devices such as cell phones, PDA pocket PC…

1. M-learning Overview Limitations: From another angle, M-learning has a few limitations including: Small screen, information provision; Difficult to enter the information due to small keyboards; Limited memory and battery; High cost.

1. M-learning Overview The development of M-Learning in the world The pioneer countries applying M-Learning are Japan, Taiwan and South Africa. Korea and China are very potential countries Australia, Canada, and India start with experiments of M- learning application.

1. M-learning Overview M-learning has great potential. It requires the need to transfer current pilot projects to new trend in education and training. M-learning enhances cooperation and active learning. Mobile technology has been creating opportunities to optimize the interaction and communication between learners and teachers and learners in the study community. Therefore, M-learning will become a new trend of distant education.

2. Prospects to apply M-learning in Vietnam There are more and more organizations working online. The quantity and quality of cell phones rapidly increase (quantity: 3 times more than computers, quality: about 70% of cell phones can access internet). The amount of PDAs and SmartPhones also rapidly increases (số lượng bán nhiều hơn máy vi tính). Many companies develop softwares for cell phones. The telecommunication network rapidly increases; the cost decreases. E-learning’s rapid increase is the background for M- learning development.

3. Possibilities to apply m-learning in training at universities Hand-held devices including cell phones have been supported with many functions. Cell phones are more affordable and integrate modern technologies. Students’ ability to use and employ modern technologies completely meet minimal requirements for M-learning learners. Students’ self study is very necessary. With hand-held devices, students can make use of potential resource on internet which is developed for E- learning system.

3. Possibilities to apply m-learning in training at universities It is completely possible to use cell phones and other hand-held devices for students’ learning. M-learning will definitely be helpful to students’ self-study and diversify teaching – learning methods at universities to improve training quality.

4. Principles to select teaching content on cell phones In accordance with the curriculum’s objectives and content. The content can be digitalized and transferred to WAP, ensuring that: The information, especially characters and pictures, is clearly displayed; The capacity and effects should be small so that the access can be fast and fit the memory capacity and operating system of cell phones; The interface is friendly and satisfy students’ passion and demands

4. Principles to select teaching content on cell phones Specifically, we need to design the content which should minimize cell phones’ disadvantages (small screen, low memory capacity…) and promote their advantages such as: Shorten the length of a page Decrease the number of main entries Entries should be easy to use and friendly to students Limit the use of graphic technology The text is easy to read.

5. Methods of teaching through cell phones M-learning application in learning has been attracting people due to low cost and mobility. In the world, M- learning has been applied in learning with the following formats: –Distant education –Podcasting –Self-study –...

5. Methods of teaching through cell phones M-learning application in training at universities should start with supporting students to self-study, review and self-assess their own knowledge. This format needs to be piloted scientifically and formally. Then, based on the pilot, the data will be collected and come to scientific conclusions of possibilities of using cell phones to support students’ self-study and doing research.

Conclusion M-learning is a new teaching method developed on the background of technology development. M-learning’s remarkable advantage is that we can combine real interaction with flexibility in learning. This combination give lecturers opportunities to carry out interactive and learner-oriented learning activities which help students have self-study motivations and study independently. M-learning application is totally possible and contributes to training quality enhancing at universities.