"Mobile computing allows people to make use of computing and information systems without being tied to a desktop computer located in their office, classroom, or home. People can now make use of computer systems while on the move, whether waiting for a flight in some airport departure lounge, drinking coffee in their favorite cafe, simply driving home, or even just walking down the street. Thanks to the improved portability and processing power of laptop computers, Personal Digital Assistants, and even mobile phones, as well as improved battery life and the near universal coverage of wireless data communications networks, mobile computer users can now make use of almost the same range of services as desktop users. While the use of current mobile computers often follows the traditional pattern of a single user interacting with their dedicated computer via its own display and keyboard, mobile computing is still at an early stage of development. In his seminal paper on the computer for the 21st century written in 1991†, Marc Weiser noted that "The most profound technologies are those that disappear. They weave themselves into the fabric of everyday life until they are indistinguishable from it." Weiser put forward a vision of future computer systems in which "computers themselves vanish into the background". In doing so he inspired a field of research known as ubiquitous computing . In the ubiquitous computing vision, interconnected (mobile) computers are embedded unobtrusively in everyday appliances and environments and co-operate to provide information and services on behalf of their users. The ubiquitous computing vision is now becoming a reality enabled by recent and expected developments in new sensor technologies - increasing the range of stimuli that can be effectively sensed, by wireless networking - allowing mobile computer systems to co-operate, by miniaturization of computational devices - allowing massive deployment of sensor-based systems in every

"Lee Rainie, Director of the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project, spoke about "As learning goes mobile" at the Educause 2011 annual conference. He described the Project's latest findings about how people (especially young adults) use mobile devices, including smartphones and tablet computers. He discussed how the mobile revolution has combined with the social networking revolution to produce new kinds of learning and knowledge-sharing environments and described the challenges and opportunities this presents to colleges and teachers. Technology has enabled students to become different kinds of learners and Lee will explore what that means. "

"A mobile phone (also known as a cellular phone, cell phone and a hand phone) is a device which can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link whilst moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile network operator. The calls are to and from the public telephone network which includes other mobiles and fixed-line phones across the world. By contrast, a cordless telephone is used only within the short range of a single, private base station. In addition to telephony, modern mobile phones also support a wide variety of other services such as text messaging, MMS, email, Internet access, short-range wireless communications (infrared, Bluetooth), business applications, gaming and photography. Mobile phones that offer these more general computing capabilities are referred to as smartphones. The first hand-held mobile phone was demonstrated by Dr Martin Cooper of Motorola in 1973, using a handset weighing 2 1/2 lbs (about 1 kg).[1] In 1983, the DynaTAC 8000x was the first to be commercially available. In the twenty years from 1990 to 2010, worldwide mobile phone subscriptions grew from 12.4 million to over 4.6 billion, penetrating the developing economies and reaching the bottom of the economic pyramid"

"Mobile technology is exactly what the name implies - technology that is portable. Examples of mobile IT devices include: laptop and netbook computers palmtop computers or personal digital assistants mobile phones and 'smart phones' global positioning system (GPS) devices wireless debit/credit card payment terminals Mobile devices can be enabled to use a variety of communications technologies such as: wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) - a type of wireless local area network technology Bluetooth - connects mobile devices wirelessly 'third generation' (3G), global system for mobile communications (GSM) and general packet radio service (GPRS) data services - data networking services for mobile phones dial-up services - data networking services using modems and telephone lines virtual private networks - secure access to a private network It is therefore possible to network the mobile device to a home office or the internet while travelling. Benefits Mobile computing can improve the service you offer your customers. For example, when meeting with customers you could access your customer relationship management system - over the internet - allowing you to update customer details whilst away from the office. Alternatively, you can enable customers to pay for services or goods without having to go to the till. For example, by using a wireless payment terminal diners can pay for their meal without leaving their table. More powerful solutions can link you directly into the office network while working off site, for instance to access your database or accounting systems. For example, you could: set up a new customer's account check prices and stock availability place an order online This leads to great flexibility in working - for example, enabling home working, or working while travelling. Increasingly, networking 'hot spots' are being provided in public areas that allow connection back to the office network or the internet.

"Mobile connectivity provides an opportunity to offer new ways of teaching and learning that ultimately will improve performance and results whilst at the same time open up new markets formobile operators across the world. Mobile will increase access to up-to-date materials, will enable collaboration and strengthen learner engagement. In response to this opportunity, the GSMA's Mobile Education initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of Mobile Education solutions; in particular, the use of mobile-enabled portable devices ,such as e-Readers and tablets in mainstream education settings.This global initiative seeks to understand and address the landscape, barriers and opportunities in this emerging market. The GSMA has recently published its first Mobile Education Landscape Report describing the emerging global Mobile Education and related eTextbook Publishing markets. While education systems are country or even local authority specific, we believe that globally coordinated activity drawing on common experience sharing and best practices will be vital to understand and act upon the Mobile Education opportunity. To help Mobile Operators become familiar with this new space we have produced aseries of Mobile Education reports which we hope you will find useful. To get involved, whichever part of the ecosystem you belong to, please contact mobileeducation@gsm.org to learn how."

"Mobile Education LLC is a software services technology company whose aim is to develop innovative, real-time, two-way short message service (SMS) based applications. Current capabilities include: "

"ed·u·ca·tion    [ej-oo-key-shuhn] Show IPA noun 1. the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life. 2. the act or process of imparting or acquiring particular knowledge or skills, as for a profession. 3. a degree, level, or kind of schooling: a university education. 4. the result produced by instruction, training, or study: to show one's education. 5. the science or art of teaching; pedagogics."

The 7th IEEE International Conference on Wireless, Mobile & Ubiquitous Technologies in Education (WMUTE 2012) will be held in Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan. Participants will be able to interact, discuss and exchange ideas with the aim of stimulating more exciting ideas for future research. The conference aims to promote a new line of research and practice that highlights both social and technological innovation in order to support and amalgamate contemporary social learning theories. The conference will be held jointly with the 4th IEEE International Conference on Digital Game and Intelligent Toy Enhanced Learning (DIGITEL 2012).

Ubiquitous computing is defined '' machines that fit the human environment instead of forcing humans to enter theirs''.

Ubiquitous computing in education, as defined in this book, is teachers and students having access to technology (computing devices, the Internet, services) whenever and wherever they need it. In a world of ubiquitous computing, the technology is always accessible and is not the focus of learning. Rather, faculty and students are active partners in the learning process, and they decide not only what technology is needed but also what to learn and how best to create new knowledge.