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Wireless data communications in form of Short Message Service (SMS) and Wireless Access Protocols (WAP) browsers have gained global popularity, yet, not much has been done to extend the usage of these devices in electronic learning (e-learning). This project explores the extension of e-learning into wireless/handheld (W/H) computing devices with the help of a mobilelearning (m-learning) framework. This framework provides the requirements to develop m-learning applications that can be used to complement classroom or distance learning. A prototype application was developed to link W/H devices to three course websites. The m-learning applications were pilot-tested for two semesters with a total of 63 students from undergraduate and graduate courses at our university. The students used the m-learning environment with a variety of W/H devices and reported their experiences through a survey and interviews at the end of the semester. The results from this exploratory study provide a better understanding on the role of mobile technology in higher education.

Wireless data communications in form of Short Message Service (SMS) and Wireless Access Protocols (WAP) browsers have gained global popularity, yet, not much has been done to extend the usage of these devices in electronic learning (e-learning). This project explores the extension of e-learning into wireless/handheld (W/H) computing devices with the help of a mobile learning (m-learning) framework. This framework provides the requirements to develop m-learning applications that can be used to complement classroom or distance learning. A prototype application was developed to link W/H devices to three course websites. The m-learning applications were pilot-tested for two semesters with a total of 63 students from undergraduate and graduate courses at our university. The students used the m-learning environment with a variety of W/H devices and reported their experiences through a survey and interviews at the end of the semester. The results from this exploratory study provide a better understanding on the role of mobile technology in higher education.

The rapid spread and penetration of mobile devices to every layerof society has confronted the educational community with many newopportunities and responsibilities. As mobile computing and its disruptiveaftermath enter the education arena, the challenge becomes how to harness thepotential in ways that are beneficial to the educational community at large andthe learners in particular. This paper outlines the initial conception, designresearch methodology followed and the development of the definitive MobileLearning Curriculum Framework as a first attempt to systematically andcomprehensively explore, where and how mobiles could appear withineducational provision. The curriculum framework is underpinned by three broad learning objectives; to acquire domain knowledge, to develop sufficientand appropriate skills to enable mobile learning practice and to understand the role and impact of domain knowledge in the relation to the applicationcontext. To this end the curriculum framework is presented as a modularsolution for adaption to accommodate differing contexts dele BOTHA 1 , Jacqueline BATCHELOR 2 , John TRAXLER 3 ,Ignatia DE WAARD 4 , Marlien HERSELMAN

Abstract - The SECAL (Situated Evaluation of Computer-Assisted Learning) framework offers a broadly based method for evaluating learning with technology in its many forms and implementations. Central to the framework are detailed and discipline-specific definitions of learning and corresponding descriptions of innovative study environments designed to exploit the potential of technology to support achievement of high quality learning goals. The objectives are to collect evidence of how these environments may or may not lead to effective learning and to identify what, if anything, might be done to improve the prospects. The concept of situation implies the need to evaluate contextual influences as well as how students and lecturers actually use technology. This is achieved through rich description generated from multidimensional, qualitative methods which are theoretically grounded in interpretive, critical and postmodern paradigms. The ubiquitous student evaluation of teaching systems are over-reliant on subjective data and offer little insight into pedagogical issues. The case-specific SECAL method uses objective and subjective data to assess how technology impacts on learning processes and outcomes. Broader objectives include grounded-theory development and identification of institutional influences on teaching and learning innovations. This type of evaluation is not particularly easy to conduct, but is a prerequisite to gaining academic credibility, maximizing the benefits of investment and justifying it in terms acceptable to economic-rationalist administrators. A description of the method in this article is followed by a case study illustrating its practical applications. 

Universities are being swamped by waves of emergent technologies and the emergence of iPads is the latest ‗state-of-the-art' mobile device to receive attention. While a number of iPad trials and initiatives have been conducted within the confines of classrooms, for example, Bond University, University of Melbourne and Adelaide University (Brand & Kinash, 2010; Jennings et al 2010; Cross, 2010); far fewer have been conducted in the field, see Duke University's use of iPad as a field research tool (Winograd, 2010). This study reports a faculty's trial to explore how far iPads could be integrated into a field setting for training of paramedic students in Wilderness Medicine. As it turned out, the remote setting for the exercise presented a number of challenges for the coordinators. Questions that needed to be considered included how ―mobile‖ is the iPad?, How can it be used to support and enhance students' learning in the field?, How far could the iPad be extended where Internet connectivity is intermittent? The iPad trial highlighted a lack of a ―common language‖ within the faculty as a basis to collaborate and design learning activities. It provided impetus for an ongoing series of conversations amongst the coordinators and others in the Faculty about design approaches and the need for a pedagogical framework to integrate technologies that support teaching and learning activities.