International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887) Volume 73– No.1, July 2013 23 Benefits and Challenges of Mobile Learning Implementation: Story of Developing Nations Nana Yaw Asabere School of Applied Sciences and Arts Computer Science Department Accra Polytechnic, Accra, Ghana ABSTRACT Mobile learning (m-learning) is a field that involves the use of mobile computing and wireless technology to enable learning occur anytime, anyplace and anywhere. The implementation strategies of mobile learning are very important for every nation due to the advantages that come with it, e.g. ease of access to education and enhanced interaction between instructors and learners. However, a lot of challenges come with mobile learning implementation, especially with respect to developing nations. This paper highlights on some mobile learning implementation challenges with a focus on Ghana, Africa and developing nations. Furthermore, the paper describes and summarizes how best to strategically overcome the enumerated challenges. General Terms Africa, Benefits, Challenges, Developing Nations Keywords Cloud Computing, Ghana, Implementation, Mobile Learning 1. INTRODUCTION Mobile learning implementation requires the connection of mobile devices (e.g. smartphones, PDAs and tablet/laptop computers) to a wireless network through a deployed network platform or model [1][2]. The connection of the mobile devices in the mobile learning system should have an interactive facility or online program interface where both instructors and students can log on to participate in the mobile learning process. Choosing the right network platform for mobile learning in your institution is important. One option is desktop computing using Client-Server architecture in which a Server application provides services to Clients. Another option increasing in popularity is a cloud computing approach [3]. Other implementation issues such as website and software development within the mobile learning system have to also be taken into consideration for effective mobile learning implementation to take place. Most developing nations need to implement mobile learning due to quite a number of reasons, some of which are listed below:  Disparity between existing academic facilities and physical infrastructure versus the increasing number of students admitted into educational institutions.  Limited time and place opportunities for workers. Other modes of education require students to be in the classroom or on site, which is most of the time difficult for employees as a result of their working schedules.  Some public institutions in developing countries are being originally developed as places for both study and residence because of their national character and model adopted. The advantages of mobile learning in education are accompanied with challenges for implementation. This paper presents a discussion of both the benefits and disadvantages of mobile learning. With reference to Ghana, the main focus of this paper is to examine major mobile learning implementation challenges of developing nations. The rest of the paper is organized as follows: the subsections of section 1 discusses the benefits and disadvantages of mobile learning respectively. Section 2 elaborates on mobile learning implementation strategies and challenges. Section 3 summarizes the challenges enumerated in section 2. The paper is finally concluded in section 4. 1.1 Benefits of Mobile Learning The proliferation of portable computing and mobile/ communicating devices, which are connected to wireless networks, facilitate mobility and mobile learning. Mobility allows teaching and learning to go beyond the traditional classroom, this provides a wide range of opportunities [4]. In addition, one of the principal advantages of using mobile devices for training delivery is the availability of security. Mobile devices are tightly integrated within the corporate network of a server and many of the technical and security hurdles are already handled by existing application infrastructures, for example, e-mailing activities. Some advantages and benefits of mobile learning include [4]:  Mobile learning can occur at anyplace and anytime, and learning content can be accessed anywhere.  A mobile learning process is not limited to one particular place.  Mobile learning enhances interaction between instructors and learners/students.  Mobile learning is a great opportunity for students and instructors to continue to learn while on the move.  Students in mobile learning practice and undergo self- centered learning with focus.  Mobile learning is a great opportunity for just in time training or review of content.  Mobile learning facilitates collaboration among students and instructors through both asynchronous and synchronous communication techniques.