This paper is part of the UNESCO Working Paper Series on Mobile Learning. The Series seeks to better understand how mobile technologies can be used to improve educational access, equity and quality around the world. It comprises fourteen individual papers that will be published throughout 2012.
The Series is divided into two broad subsets: six papers examine mobile learning initiatives and their policy implications, and six papers examine how mobile technologies can support teachers and improve their practice.
This paper is a descriptive review of recent and ongoing mobile learning initiatives to support teaching and learning in Asia. The review focuses in particular on the use of mobile phones – either alone or in combination with other technologies – to increase access to educational opportunities and resources, provide direct instruction in formal and informal educational settings, enhance teachers’ competency and professional development, and enrich educational quality for all students. The paper was originally planned to focus exclusively on teacher support and professional development delivered through mobile learning; however, programmes and relevant literature in this area are extremely limited. Teacher development in the projects identified takes the following forms: the mobile learning package as a teaching tool, teacher training on how to use mobile learning tools, and the use of mobile phones for administrative communication and student support services. Beyond the scope of these activities, there is currently little to no information available on the use of mobile devices for teachers’ professional development in Asia.
To access existing and forthcoming titles in the Series, please see:
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/themes/icts/m4ed/mobile-learning-resources/unescomobilelearningseries/