In Defence of Mobile Technologies Exploring the Socio-Technological Dimensions of M-Learning

There has been a rapid growth in the research concerning mobile phones and the delivery of the learning experience in developing countries in recent years. The aim of this chapter is to improve understanding of this expanding research area and in so doing consider the potential for mobile phone applications for the delivery of educational services for the poor. The current state of knowledge is assessed by reviewing the existing research articles drawn from both peer-reviewed academic journals and non-peer reviewed studies and other practitioner-orientated sources. Issues relating to educational needs and the measurement of impacts have been comparatively neglected, whilst application design and adoption have received greater attention. Emphasis tends to be on devices and new ways to deliver services, but ignores the broader context of educational services for the poor and tends to be technology-led (Duncombe, 2006). In order to correct this imbalance in research, the paper identifies key points relating to concepts, methodologies, issues addressed and evidence presented and provides pointers to future research directions.