Formal and Informal Learning Using Mobile Technology

Abstract

In recent years, mobile devices have become a key issue for researchers. Mobile devices are becoming ubiquitous and a part of our everyday life. People are using mobile devices at educational institutions (universities, colleges, and schools), at home, at work, and for leisure. This chapter highlights the possibility of using mobile apps technology in formal and informal learning, for students inside and outside higher educational institutions together. Additionally, the chapter considers the challenges that hinder implementation of mobile technology in edu- cation. This chapter is constructed as follows: First, a brief definition and concept of mobile learning is presented; second, the concepts of formal and informal learning are discussed and compared; third, the potential of mobile learning technology is explained and followed by the challenges of implementing mobile learning inside and outside higher educational institutions. Fourth, the different dimensions of mobile applications technology are presented. Finally, this chapter reports on for- mal and informal learning enabled by mobile technology and concludes with main ideas for future research on the use of mobile learning technology.