The Psychological Challenges of Mobile Learning

Mobile learning is the use of wireless handheld devices to support learning and teaching across different psychological, social, physical and temporal contexts. Research focuses on the technology, user skills and preferences, contexts of use, guidelines for evaluation that support mobile learning. The 24/7 nature of mobile learning blurs traditional boundaries of time and space both physically and psychologically and presents a number of psychological challenges that are a product of the user's socio-cognitive profile: human mental processes are limited and rely upon environmental cues to support them. Learning occurs across times and contexts: mobile learners must plan, organise and keep track of learning material accessed at different times in different locations. This presents psychological challenges, as human mental resources are subject to well-established constraints. Understanding the psychological challenges and the skills necessary to overcome them are essential for the design of effective mobile learning experiences.