This book explores mobile learning as a form of learning particularly suited to our ever more mobile world, presenting a new conceptualisation of the value of mobile devices in education through the metaphor of lenses on learning. With a principal focus on mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), it draws on insights derived from MALL language, literacy and cultural projects to illustrate the possibilities inherent in all mobile learning.
In its broad sweep the book takes in new and emerging technologies and tools from robots to holograms, virtual reality to augmented reality, and smart glasses to embeddable chips, considering their potential impact on education and, indeed, on human society and the planet as a whole. While not shying away from discussing the risks, it demonstrates that, handled appropriately, mobile, context-aware technologies allow educators to build on the personalised and collaborative learning facilitated by web 2.0 and social media, but simultaneously to go much further in promoting authentic learning experiences grounded in real-world encounters. In this way, teachers can better prepare students to face a global, mobile future, with all of its evolving possibilities and challenges.
Mark Pegrum is an Associate Professor in The University of Western Australia’s Graduate School of Education [or: in the Graduate School of Education at The University of Western Australia], where he specialises in mobile learning and, more broadly, e-learning. His teaching has been recognised through Faculty and University Excellence in Teaching Awards, as well as a national Australian Learning & Teaching Council (ALTC) Excellence in Teaching Award. His current research focuses on mobile technologies, digital literacy, augmented reality, and mobile learning trails and games. His recent books include: Brave New Classrooms: Democratic Education and the Internet (co-edited with Joe Lockard; Peter Lang, 2007); From Blogs to Bombs: The Future of Digital Technologies in Education (UWA Publishing, 2009); Digital Literacies (co-authored with Gavin Dudeney and Nicky Hockly; Pearson/Routledge, 2013); and Mobile Learning: Languages, Literacies and Cultures (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014). He is an associate editor of the International Journal of Virtual and Personal Learning Environments, and a member of the editorial boards of Interactive Technology and Smart Education, System, and Technology in Language Teaching and Learning. He is also a member of the advisory council for the Laureate-Cambridge Online Language Learning Research Network (OLLReN), a member of the programme committee for the International Mobile Learning Festival, and a member of the international review panel for mLearn. He has given presentations and conducted seminars on e-learning and m-learning in Australia and New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East, the UK and continental Europe, and both North and South America.
