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Mobile Learning Foresight:
The Future of Learning
Mark A.M. Kramer
University of Salzburg
Sigmund-Haffner Gasse 18
mark.kramer@sbg.ac.at
+4369912277992
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this research is to examine the current state of mobile learning practices and provide foresight into the
potential adoption and future utilization of mobile learning practices within formal and informal learning contexts. As a
result, this short paper will share the insights and results that have developed from a doctoral study, which is currently in
progress. Hence, this short paper will give account that research being conducted shows that the future of learning is
already here, it is increasingly becoming more mobile and that the innovative mobile technologies, services and practices
associated with shaping how we learn now and in the future are not evenly distributed.
Author Keywords
Education, learning, mobility, mobile-learning
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this research is to examine the present state of education and mobile learning and provide an empirically
sound forecast of possible mobile-learning scenarios that are emerging within the time frame of 2015. Furthermore, the
research conducted will examine the theoretical foundations supporting the emergence, adoption and proliferation of
mobile learning scenarios and examine how the emergence of a pervasive learning culture is inevitable within the context
of ubiquitous computing. The intended audience of this research will be individual learners, educational practitioners and
policy makers, to equip these stakeholders with the intelligence to prepare for the emerging future of mobile and
pervasive learning.
METHODS
The doctoral study presented is a form of action research, in which an iterative inquiry process is employed within a
collaborative context to help ascertain and predict potential future mobile and pervasive learning scenarios. This study
seeks informed opinion and knowledge through a systematic, interactive forecasting method. This method will be based
upon a hybrid form of "Delphi-study” coupled with virtual focus groups and semi-structured interviews. This hybrid
methodology has been chosen in order to obtain a highly nuanced and granular perspective from a panel of carefully
selected independent experts in order to gain the most accurate depiction of the possible future of learning.
CONTRIBUTION
The intention of this study is to make a positive and worthy contribution to the emerging mobile-learning research
corpus. Furthermore, this research will make a contribution to enhancing the capabilities of individual learners, and will
equip educational practitioners and policy makers with the intelligence to help shape the future of how education is
conducted with in the context of mobile learning.
EVALUATION / REFLECTION / PRESENTATION
In conjunction with the empirical study a comprehensive evaluation and critical appraisal of related mobile-learning
research and related studies has been proposed. Moreover, a critical analysis of the empirical study will be made in order
to reflect on the outcomes of this work in order to inform future studies of a similar measure in order to garner the
greatest knowledge possible to help forecast the future of learning. In doing so, it is the hope that the research conducted
will make a worthy contribution to helping shape the future of learning and help securely establish and embed mobile-
learning scenarios within our societies.
The results presented in this short paper give account that the research conducted for this doctoral study highlighted
conclusively demonstrates that the future of learning is already here, it is increasingly becoming more mobile and that the
innovative mobile technologies, services and practices associated with shaping how we learn now and in the future are
not evenly distributed.
