IADIS International Conference Mobile Learning 2008

I was able to present at the IADIS Mobile Learning 2008 conference this year which gave me the chance to also attend a variety of presentations related to the subject. The conference had a Higher Education Academic focus. The was a strong empahsis at M-Learning on engaging the user and their interaction through small digital devices. It was interesting to note that so far there is no still no set methodology for the use of this equipment. Speakers and attendees came from all over the world and it was also interesting to hear that despite the geographic and economic and polictical differences M-Learning was important part of the educational agenda in most countries. Low cost laptops such as the 'One laptop Per Child' featured heavily and it was clear that was changing IT access in some countries very dramatically.

M-Learning left me with the confirmed feeling that there is still a lot to discover from using small digital devices in learning and no one had yet found the 'magic formula' (if there is one to be found) but as the cost of devices continues to fall and their availability increases then they will help change how we perceive the learning process from being classroom and timebound to one that can be more wholly owned by the learner to suit their circumstances.