INF4860_Assignment1
INF4860_Assignment1
Assignment number: 1
INF4860 Assignment 1
Task1
Explore and critically discuss the various application areas of e- and m-learning systems,
highlighting their impact on education, training, and professional development. Provide examples
from recent peer-reviewed studies to support your arguments. (20)
Introduction
E-learning and m-learning systems have revolutionised the landscape of education, training, and
professional development by leveraging digital technologies to deliver educational content and
experiences. These systems have made learning more accessible, flexible, and personalised,
impacting various sectors in significant ways.
With the flexibility to learn at their own pace and concentrate on the subjects they find most
difficult, e-learning has also made it possible for more individualized learning experiences.
Reaching a wider audience and accommodating a variety of learning styles are two important
effects of e-learning on education and training. Teachers can design dynamic, interesting learning
experiences that accommodate various learning styles by utilizing interactive exercises,
simulations, and multimedia resources. Through virtual communities, professionals and students
from all over the world may interact and exchange ideas, making e-learning a valuable tool for
networking and collaboration.
Education: E-learning has transformed higher education and K-12 education by providing flexible,
personalised learning experiences. According to Tang and Chaw (2021), e-learning positively
influences student motivation and academic performance, particularly when combined with face-to-
face instruction. Interactive exercises, simulations, and multimedia resources help cater to various
learning styles. E-learning has developed into a vital resource for ongoing skill improvement and
professional growth. To remain competitive in the employment market, workers in many fields must
regularly refresh their knowledge and skills.
Training: In the corporate sector, e-learning facilitates continuous professional growth and
knowledge exchange among employees. Noe and Kodwani (2020) found that e-learning can
improve employee performance and retention by providing on-demand training modules and virtual
simulations.
Coursera - collaborates with colleges and other organisations to provide courses on a range of
subjects. In exchange for paying for their courses, students can earn college credit or a certificate
of completion.
LinkedIn Learning - helps professionals grow their abilities and succeed in their professions,
providing a vast array of online lessons and courses.
Rosetta Stone – a language-learning website that uses interactive activities and courses to let
users pick up new language skills at their own speed.
The delivery of education, training, and professional development to individuals globally has been
completely transformed by mobile learning, or m-learning. Thanks to the proliferation of
smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, education is now available anywhere, at any time.
Because of this, students now have more flexibility and convenience in their education because
they may access resources and information whenever they choose.
Moreover, m-learning has made it possible for instructors and trainers to provide dynamic,
captivating content that adapts to different learning preferences, improving the effectiveness and
personalization of the learning process.
Training: In the corporate world, m-learning platforms are used to provide employees with training
materials on the go. This approach reduces costs associated with traditional training methods and
improves worker productivity and job satisfaction.
Professional Development: greatly impacted by m-learning since it makes it possible for workers
to advance their knowledge and abilities without having to take time off from the office. These
days, a lot of businesses train their staff members via mobile learning platforms, making sure they
are knowledgeable on the most recent advancements in their industry.
M-learning examples
Duolingo: A language learning app that helps users improve their reading, writing, speaking, and
listening skills in various languages.
Khan Academy: Provides educational materials that students can access on their mobile devices
to supplement their classroom instruction.
Corporate training and professional development environments are other contexts where m-
Learning is being employed. Employers are increasingly using mobile learning platforms to provide
their staff with training materials. For instance, businesses such as Starbucks have created
mobile learning initiatives to instruct staff members on a range of business topics, including
product expertise and customer service. This makes learning more effective and efficient by
enabling employees to access training materials whenever and wherever they choose.
Critical Discussion
While E-learning and M-learning offer numerous benefits, there are several challenges that must
be addressed in order to maximise their potential impact. The digital divide, quality of content, and
maintaining learner engagement are concerns that need to be considered. Assessment and
feedback mechanisms and ensuring high-quality instructional design are key components to make
sure these learning systems are effective.
Conclusion
E-learning and M-learning systems have significantly impacted education, training, and
professional development by making learning more accessible, flexible, and personalised. Despite
the challenges, the benefits of these systems are quite evident in several application areas.
Continued research and innovation are needed to address the challenges and fully realise the
potential of e- and m-learning in transforming the educational landscape.
References
• India's Digital Leap: The Rise of E-Learning and Computing Devices in Classrooms
https://fagenwasanni.com/news/indias-digital-leap-the-rise-of-e-learning-and-computing-
devices-in-classrooms/44322/
• Impact of digital technologies upon teaching and learning in higher education in Latin
America: an outlook on the reach, barriers, and bottlenecks
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10639-022-11214-1
• Statista. Petroc Taylor Mobile Network Subscriptions Worldwide 2028. Available online:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/330695/number-of-smartphone-users-
worldwide/ (accessed on 2 September 2023).
• Tang, C. M., & Chaw, L. Y. (2021). Digital literacy: A prerequisite for effective learning in a
blended learning environment? Computers & Education, 103735.
• Timmons, K., Cooper, A., Bozek, E., & Braund, H. (2021). The impacts of COVID-19 on
early childhood education: Capturing the unique challenges associated with remote
teaching and learning in K-2. Early Childhood Education Journal, 49(5), 887-901.
• Noe, R. A., & Kodwani, A. D. (2020). Employee Training and Development. McGraw-Hill
Education.
• Choi, H., & Baek, Y. (2021). The effects of a web-based professional development program
for teachers. Educational Technology Research and Development, 69(4), 1927-1950.
Task 2
Analyse the usability of e- and m-learning systems, considering user experience and
accessibility. Discuss the key factors that contribute to effective usability and how they enhance
the overall learning experience. Provide real-world examples to illustrate your points. (20)
e.) Factors contributing to effective usability and how they enhance the learning
experience.
i) E-learning
Factors contributing to effective usability:
• In order to guarantee that students can interact with course materials and navigate
online platforms with ease, effective usability in e-learning is essential. The e-
learning platform's layout and design play a major role in its usefulness.
• An intuitive and user-friendly interface can improve the learning process overall and
assist students in concentrating on the subject matter rather than technical issues.
A more effective and efficient learning environment can also be created by having
well-organized course materials, search features, and simple navigation options.
• Effective usability in e-learning is also influenced by the platform's responsiveness
on various devices. E-learning platforms must be responsive to different screen
sizes and resolutions due to the growing trend of mobile users accessing the
internet. This gives students greater flexibility and convenience in their learning
process by guaranteeing that they can access course materials from any device
and while they're on the go.
How e-learning enhances the overall learning experience:
• E-learning has completely changed how people approach education by offering an
adaptable and engaging learning environment. Multimedia components like movies,
role-playing games, and interactive tests are included into e-learning to
accommodate different learning styles and preferences.
• With such a wide variety of tools at their disposal, students can interact with the
content in a way that best meets their own requirements, which improves
understanding and retention in the long run. Moreover, adaptive learning systems in
e-learning enable customized learning experiences by adapting content to the
student's speed and ability level, leading to a more effective learning process.
• Additionally, students can learn at their own pace and convenience because to the
accessibility of e-learning platforms, which creates chances for people who might
not otherwise have access to traditional educational institutions. Students from all
backgrounds can now follow their academic dreams without being limited by time or
place thanks to the democratization of education.
ii) M-learning
Factors contributing to effective usability:
• The usability of an m-learning platform is influenced by a number of important
elements. First and foremost, the platform's interface design needs to be simple to
use and intuitive. This comprises aspects like uniform design, easy-to-understand
directions, and straightforward navigation.
• Users may simply traverse the platform and find the content they require without
needless confusion or aggravation thanks to an interface that is well-designed.
Furthermore, usability also depends on how responsive the platform is.
• Consumers anticipate fast loading times and touch or swipe gesture
responsiveness from m-learning platforms. Users may become discouraged from
using the platform and have a difficult time learning if they encounter slow loading
times or sluggish interactions.
• The platform's accessibility is another element that enhances effective usage in m-
learning. This includes elements like support for various learning styles and
accessibility requirements, along with interoperability with a variety of devices and
operating systems. A platform that is easily navigable by a diverse user base
guarantees that a greater number of learners can take advantage of the available
material and resources.
Task 3
Delve into the foundational concepts of e- and m-learning systems, demonstrating a deep
understanding of their purpose and significance in the educational landscape. Discuss how these
systems have evolved over time and their role in shaping modern educational practices. (25)
M-learning:
• Core Concept - The rapidly expanding discipline of mobile learning, or m-learning, in
education is changing how we acquire knowledge and learn. The notion of anytime,
anyplace learning is one of the core tenets of mobile learning. With the proliferation of
smartphones and tablets, students are no longer restricted to traditional classroom
environments or defined hours for accessing learning resources.
• Flexibility and Personalization - through m-learning, students may learn while on the go,
at home, in line, or during their commute. This flexibility in education encourages a more
individualised and student-centred approach to learning in addition to making it more
accessible.
• Engaging Multimedia Content - using multimedia and interactive content to improve
learning is another fundamental idea of mobile learning. Numerous multimedia tools,
including films, simulations, and interactive tests, are available on mobile devices and can
be used to engage students in more dynamic and engaging learning environments.
• Immersive Learning Environment - Multimedia components allow m-learning to
accommodate a variety of learning preferences and styles, increasing the effectiveness and
engagement of the learning process. Furthermore, a more immersive learning environment
that can better prepare students for the digital age is made possible by the availability of a
wide range of digital materials on mobile devices.
The purpose and significance of e and m-learning system in the educational landscape
E-Learning:
• Purpose - E-learning aims to make education more accessible and convenient, enabling
students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedules. It caters particularly to
those who cannot attend traditional educational institutions due to various constraints.
• Significance - In the digital age, e-learning is a crucial resource for acquiring knowledge
and skills. It offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional education, allowing individuals to
pursue new skills and expertise without incurring high fees. E-learning also enables
personalized education, focusing on subjects relevant to learners' professional goals.
Electronic learning, sometimes known as e-learning, is a type of education where students get
instructional resources and content through the use of technology. Making education more easy
and accessible for people of all ages and backgrounds is the goal of e-learning. Through the use of
digital resources like videos, interactive exercises, and online courses, e-learning enables students
to learn on their own time and at their own speed.
Individuals who lack access to conventional educational institutions or have hectic schedules that
hinder them from attending classes in person would particularly benefit from this flexibility.
In this digital age, the importance of e-learning cannot be emphasized. With the development of
the internet and technology, e-learning has become a vital resource for anyone wishing to increase
their knowledge and develop their abilities. It offers students a more affordable option to traditional
education, enabling them to acquire new skills and become experts in their fields without having to
pay the exorbitant fees connected with traditional schooling.
People can also customize their education via e-learning to fit their unique requirements and
interests, concentrating on subjects that are most pertinent to their professional objectives.
M-Learning:
• Purpose - M-learning seeks to enhance and support learning through mobile technologies,
offering flexible, personalized, and convenient educational experiences.
• Significance - Given the widespread use of mobile devices, m-learning is vital for making
education more dynamic and accessible. It removes physical constraints of traditional
classrooms, allowing students to engage with content at their own pace and convenience.
M-learning also benefits educators by providing platforms to deliver interactive content that
caters to various learning styles.
Given the widespread use and accessibility of mobile devices, such smartphones and tablets,
among people of all ages in the modern digital age, this type of learning is extremely important.
The physical constraints of traditional classroom settings are lifted by m-learning, allowing students
to interact with the material at their own pace and while on the go. This results in a more dynamic
and engaging learning environment.
Apart from being easily accessible and convenient, mobile learning has many advantages for both
teachers and students. M-learning gives teachers a platform to present dynamic, interactive
content, which facilitates student engagement and accommodates a variety of learning
preferences.
All things considered, the goal and importance of mobile learning are found in its capacity to
democratize education and offer chances for lifelong learning to people from diverse backgrounds
and situations.
M-Learning:
• Emergence with mobile devices - By giving students access to educational resources at
anytime, anywhere m-learning has completely changed the area of education. The
emergence of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets marked the beginning of this
transformation because they gave students more freedom in terms of where and how they
might do their coursework.
• Enhanced capabilities - possibilities of m-learning platforms increased along with
technology, providing rich, interactive multimedia information that was tailored to individual
learning preferences. Modern education techniques have been affected by this shift toward
individualized and on-demand learning experiences, which prioritize the needs and
preferences of individual students.
• Transformative Impact - M-learning has altered how teachers present material and
evaluate students' understanding. The use of mobile devices in the classroom has allowed
teachers to design more dynamic and engaging lesson plans, which improves student
engagement and effectiveness.
• Inclusive learning - by dismantling conventional barriers and promoting a more inclusive
and dynamic learning environment, mobile learning has created new avenues for
cooperation and communication between students and teachers. Overall, the development
of m-learning has changed how education is provided and experienced, resulting in more
individualized, interesting, and productive learning strategies. It has also increased access
to education.
References
• Naveed, Q.N.; Alam, M.M.; Tairan, N. Structural Equation Modeling for Mobile Learning
Acceptance by University Students: An Empirical Study. Sustainability 2020, 12, 8618.
[Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
• Ahmad, N.; Hoda, N.; Alahmari, F. Developing a Cloud-Based Mobile Learning Adoption
Model to Promote Sustainable Education. Sustainability 2020, 12, 3126. [Google Scholar]
[CrossRef]
• Encarnacion, R. E., Galang, A. D., & Hallar, B. A. (2021). The impact and effectiveness of
e-learning on teaching and learning. International Journal of Computing Sciences
Research, 5(1), 383-397. doi: 10.25147/ijcsr.2017.001.1.47
• Al-Musawi, A.S. & Abdelraheem, A.Y. (2011). The status of e-learning in SQU horizon
(209) (unpublished manuscript). Public Relations and Information Department, Sultan
Qaboos University.
• Ally, M. (2008). Theory and practice of online learning: Foundations of educational
theory for online learning, (2nd edn.). Edmonton: AU Press, Athabasca University
Task 4
Investigate the different philosophical views surrounding terminologies and knowledge
representation in e- and m-learning systems. Compare and contrast these views, highlighting their
implications for designing effective learning environments. Use relevant scholarly literature to
support your arguments. (25)
References
• Motiwalla, L.F. Mobile Learning: A Framework and Evaluation. Comput. Educ. 2007, 49,
581–596. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
• Bless, C., Higson-Smith, C., & Kagee, A. (2006). Fundamentals of social research
methods: an African perspective (4th edn.). Cape Town, South Africa: Juta and Co. Ltd.
• Palalas, A.; Wark, N. The Relationship between Mobile Learning and Self-Regulated
Learning: A Systematic Review. Australas. J. Educ. Technol. 2020, 36, 151–172. [Google
Scholar] [CrossRef]
• Cuban, L. (2001). Oversold and underused: Computers in the classroom.
USA:Harvard University Press.