FACULTY OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA Diploma in Information Management (IM110) Information and Communication Technology Application

(IMD 113) INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT: SUMMARY OF JOURNAL BY: SITI ZULAIKA BINTI ZAHARUDDIN 2013898754 JIM 1101D Prepared for: Sir Al Bakri Mohamed Date of Submission: 13 August 2013

Based on the journal The Impact of Mobile Technologies on Distance Education by Shaunah Fuegen November/December 2012, mobile learning is defined as the provision of education and training on mobile devices such as PDAs, smart phones and mobile phones. One of the characteristics of mobile learning is that it uses devices which citizens are used to carrying everywhere with them, which they regard as friendly and personal devices, which are cheap and easy to use, which they used constantly in all walks of life, and in a variety of different settings. As mobile devices become increasingly more prevalent, it is imperative to study their use and effect on the growing field of distance education. This brief review of existing literature indicates that traditional theories of learning, in both traditional and distance settings, are relevant and applicable to mobile learning, and the mobile devices can be brought thoughtfully into pedagogy at the distance level. Flexibility, portability, and accessibility contribute to an overall positive impression on students, while faculty concerns can be met with appropriate training and tailoring to the various teaching and learning styles present in distance education. Student and faculty expectations of a mobile integrated distance education experience will continue to grow, while teaching and learning should thrive in this increasingly more connected environment. Although mobile technology holds great promise as a medium for learning, the challenge for educators is to create and provide instruction using the medium in order to engage learners and teach them effectively. It is important to remember to remember that that while technology is a critical component of distance education, ultimately educators and administrators must remain focused on learner needs and instructional goals and outcomes. When limitations and concerns about mobile learning exist, with regards to current mobile capabilities, the increased flexibility, minimizing of transactional distance, and educational benefits seem to outweigh the disadvantages. As student and faculty expectations for mobile integrated education grow, distance education programs and institution will be pressed to keep up with demand. The demands, however, should results in more connected, efficient learners and instructors that will continue to thrive in an increasingly networked world.