Vol() Journal of Information Technology in Agriculture 1 An Architecture of m-Learning Environment for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Evangelos Sakkopoulos 1 , Constantina Costopoulou 2 , Maria Ntaliani 2 , Aglaia Liopa-Tsakalidis 3 , and Alexander Sideridis 2 1 University of Patras, Department of Computer Engineering & Informatics, Greece, sakkopul@gmail.com 2 Agricultural University of Athens, Department of Science, Informatics Laboratory, Greece, {tina, ntaliani, as}@aua.gr 3 Department of Mechanical & Water Resources Engineering, Technological Educational Institute, Greece, aliopa3@gmail.com Abstract Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) are known from the ancient years for their applications in pharmacy, cooking, distillery and perfumery. Their contribution to nutrition is substantial because of specific components that defend the human health. In spite of the increase in MAP demand and use globally, farmers lack sufficient information and knowledge in MAP cultivation. This paper presents a mobile learning environment that provides access to accurate and certified MAP educational content through personal computers with connection to Internet or mobile devices. The key aim of the environment is double; first information flow enhancement and second alternative access to knowledge through popular means. Moreover, a use case of the proposed environment is presented for a European project. Keywords: medicinal and aromatic plants, m-learning, mobile communications Introduction Medicinal and Aromatic Plant (MAP) farming appears as an alternative agricultural approach that can not only produce valuable products but is environmentally sound too. The term aromatics refers to a group of plants with parts (e.g. leaves, flowers) containing essential oils. The term medicinals refers to plants that contain at least one active ingredient capable of preventing, relieving in some degree or completely curing specific diseases. Usually, plants of one category also possess the characteristics of the other, thus they actually belong to the general category of MAPs. Europe is in the first position globally in MAPs imports with a percentage of 35%. Second place goes to Asia with 26%, North America with 21% and Japan with 11%, while the rest regions together amount to 7%. The increase rate in Europe reaches 10% both because of the consumers turn towards healthy nutrition and alternative forms of therapy, as well as because of the fact that the financial benefit from the MAP farming has become tangible. The global MAPs commerce has a total value of 9.5 billion Euros, 25% of which is located in Europe (GMRDF, 2007). MAPs are of major importance for rural economy due to their contribution to agricultural diversification, optimal use of unfertilized and semiarid land, and economic potential. Factors, such as their physical appearance in xerothermic regions, medicinal and antioxidant properties, processing qualities, environmental adaptability, range of possible uses, and storability, have fuelled the promotion of MAPs. Their novelty is related to the ways in which old and new uses are being re-addressed to meet today's needs. In the next few years the traditional crops (grain, tobacco, cotton etc.) are expected to be replaced by new. However, the MAP cultivation is still hampered by lack of clarity. For example farmers and consumers are not always sure what MAPs are, what are their benefits or which products are covered by MAPs.