A Classification of M-Learning Applications from a Usability Perspective

One of the possible barriers to the successful integration of mobile learning (m-learning) into mainstream education is the set of issues associated with the usability of applications designed for mobile devices. Applications delivered on mobile devices have many specific usability issues. The designer must meet and overcome all of these constraints, challenges and context of use issues in order to design a usable application. A first step in addressing these challenges is to be clear on their exact nature. This paper clarifies the notion of m-learning and the usability issues peculiar to m-learning applications. Beginning with a very general definition of m-learning as “learning with the aid of a mobile device”, we classify m-learning into several distinct categories. These categories focus on the role of the mobile device in the learning. The categories are: Learning Management, Supportive, Content-Based, Context-Based, and Collaborative. The issues and challenges associated with developing usable m-learning applications within each of these categories are identified and outlined. In conclusion we identify plans for future work towards a framework for the design and development of usable m-learning applications.