Wang, M., Shen, R., Novak, D., & Pan, X. (2009). The impact of mobile learning on students’ learning behaviours and performance: Report from a large blended classroom. British Journal of Educational Technology, 40(4), 673-695. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8535.2008.00846.x

In the introduction, Wang, Shen, Novak, & Pan (2009) define two directions distance education. One is ‘the individual flexible teaching model’ which they describe as: allowing a student to start the class at any time, the student studies in isolation, and the student uses asynchronous tools for communication to classmates and the instructor. While I agree with the latter two, I don’t really agree with the first description. I have been in many classes that were a hybrid of classroom and online instruction and all online classrooms, such as this one. There has never been a time when a student can start the class at any time. There are school schedules that define when joining a class is permissible and there are also class schedules to follow, especially assignment due dates.

Wang, et. al (2009, p 675) discuss how their live broadcast system doesn’t allow asking questions or participate in interactive activity. This system would be much like direct teaching or watching an educational video. Students receive information, but I think that they do not fully absorb the information without being able to actively learn. I think constructivist learning allows students to learn by doing. They fully participate in their learning usually by group interactive and hands-on activities. The authors use research to reiterate this and validate their claim that active learning is beneficial to students.

My thoughts on broadcasts being much like direct teaching is similar to what the authors state as, “ .. the sage on the stage” (wang et. al, 2009, p 675). Noninteractive learning results from this form of teaching. I like that Wang, et. al discuss the older forms of distance learning, i.e. correspondence and through television presentations, and relate these to direct teaching and non interactive learning.

Using mobile phones to access classes in labelled as “m-learning”. Wang et. al discuss the ergonomic limitations of using mobile phones, but that the students in the study had no trouble conversing about the information using them. They also discuss the issue of losing internet connections. I’d add to this by stating that the class content available online must also be formatted to be viewed on mobile phone, which is different than computers. The authors reiterate this by discussing the infrastructure that is needed, such as servers and internet networks, and also that the content is downloaded so mobile storage capacity may be an issue  (p 678).
I like the example of an instructor sending a fill-in-the-blank question to all student’s mobile phones, receiving their answers, then posting it on a screen in front of the students.

Wang et. al’s data analysis shows that there is a high percentage of students were satisfied with using m-learning and would recommend using it. There was also a high participation percentage and the teacher liked the interactive discussions rather than students remaining passive in the classroom. The Smart Phone Platform was innovative by allowing student to receive class content either through audio, video, and written information, and by allowing the instructor to monitor activity, provide feedback and guidance without much delay.(p 692).

The author’s make valid points regarding suggestions for designing and conducting future mobile learning courses. They believe the program to be successful, however they feel that student orientation of m-learning is needed. They also think that this platform is best used with short activities and activities that facilitate student interactions, and m-learning should be used for a question and answer activity. I agree with their thoughts that audio interaction would be beneficial, especially in a language learning class.Wang et. al think that access to forums through more options on a mobile phone would be beneficial.

I think this article dealt with the main points of using mobile phone for learning and that the information gathered shows what is averrable and what may be lacking by using and m-learning platform.