International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2015): 78.96 | Impact Factor (2015): 6.391 Volume 5 Issue 12, December 2016 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY “M-Learning”: Implications and Challenges Dr Gobind Singh Gure Assistant Professor, School of Education, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandar Sindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan (India) Abstract: In 21 st century, available new emerging technologies offer innovative & multiple dimensions of teaching and learning process for open, distance and formal education systems, but none of them has been as popular, readily available and accessible as mobile learning. The mobiles phones with latest features of technology version are most frequently used product by the learners in these day. As mobile devices are becoming ubiquitous, many educational scholars and practitioners have incorporated this technology with teaching and learning environment. Therefore, this new way to use technology help to re-design and reconstruct the education process in numerous ways. The m-learning has a provision of self-study, feedback, supports, teachers- students; students -students’ interactions with regard to course content is possible to students. This is a wonderful quality of m-learning that it is available anywhere, anytime. Every technology has some strength and limitations therefore mobile devices have also some exception. There is a three main kind of challenges for mobile devices, first is in term of physical attributes; secondly challenges related with technology or operating systems attribute and third great challenge seems that there is lack of associations between the mobile software and mobile learning apps with the pedagogical, psychological and sociological approach of education. The extension of ICT through mobile device is helpful to resolve many challenges associated it. If m-learning can be used properly along with the ICT then it can make a difference to provide accessibility, equality and quality of education in the masses. Keywords: M-learning, Education, Paradigm, Learning, Apps, Pedagogy 1. Introduction In 21 st century, new emerging technologies have available and used by the open, distance and formal educational system for enhancing interaction between the teachers and learners such as video collaboration tools, open educational resources, social learning in online courses, 3d printing Skype, podcasting, Moodle, instant messaging (IM), blogs, wireless technology, portable, handheld devices have increasingly powerful multimedia, social networking, communication and geo-location (GPS) capabilities and consequently, mobile learning (m-learning) etc. Day by day, usages of these technologies are becoming easy and convincible. As well as new advanced technologies and products are being formed to facilitate the human beings. Over the last two decade years mobile learning fetched the research interest of scholars in term of significant projects at every level of education, workplaces, urban and rural areas around the world. Although, new technologies offer innovative and multiple dimensions of teaching and learning process for all kinds of educational institutions, but none of these has been as popular, readily available and accessible as the mobile phones. The mobiles phones with latest features of technology version are most frequently used product by the learners in these day. As mobile devices are becoming ubiquitous, many educational scholars and practitioners have incorporated this technology with teaching and learning environment. Therefore, this new way to use technology help to re-design and reconstruct the education process in numerous ways. 2. Meaning of “M-Learning” The term “m-learning” or "Mobile Learning” refers the use of Mobile technologies, such as cell phones, or any hand devices are used as a learning instrument to enhance interactive collaborative learning. Mobile learning is known as m-learning, u-Learning, personalized learning, learning while-mobile, ubiquitous learning, anytime/anywhere learning, on-the-go learning and handheld learning. No matter what you call it, mobile learning is an invaluable tool accomplishing recent trends in education such as personalised learning, project-based learning or collaborative learning. Mobile learning is considered to be the ability to use mobile devices to support teaching and learning (Mehdipour & Zerehkafi 2013). One of the best definition of mobile learning is given by O‟Malley et. al., (2003) that "any sort of learning that happens when the learner is not at a fixed, predetermined location, or learning that happens when the learner takes advantage of the learning opportunities offered by mobile technologies". With this regard, Haag (2011) explained that “multiple definitions of mobile learning already exist in the world of education and training, and some are even inclusive of laptop computers. However, ADL defines mobile learning or “m-learning” as the use of handheld computing devices to provide access to learning content and information resources. Mobile learning is also inclusive of many types of informal learning opportunities and is not only limited to formal training courses.” Therefore, the mobile learning is considered when the focuses of teaching-learning process across the contexts and learning is on using mobile or any other hand devices that support teaching and learning. 3. “M-Learning”: Extension of “E-Learning” Right from the beginning, as the new technology is emerged as educationalists always take interest to utilise it as an education tool. Within the last two decade it is become too easy to someone to attach himself with the world at minimum cost and minimum efforts by using these kinds of technology. Gradually-Gradually as there is an extension of technology as the same way, approach and costs of the products (laptops, tablets, mobiles etc.) related with these technologies are becoming cheap, convincible, affordable and useable. One of the most frequently used device is mobile or cell phone with latest technology. There was a time when World Wide Web (e-learning) is considered the Paper ID: 29121603 2087