The purpose of this study is to examine the appropriateness of handheld devices for mobile learning in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. A checklist instrument has been chosen as the best method to collect the required study data. This instrument has been developed based on an evaluation framework. This framework contains criteria that presented the handheld devices features required for mobile learning. The features categorized in three areas: 1) Usability, 2) Technical, and 3) Functional.
User interface for example as a one of the features of handheld devices under Usability area evaluated using these criteria: 1) Appropriate and effective layout 2) Simple and easy to use menus, toolbars, buttons etc. 3) Multiple languages 4) Personalization, various versions 5 ) Accommodation, special needs persons consideration. An example for the Technical area that should be focused when we evaluating the appropriateness of handheld devices for the educational use is performance. This part required us to concentrate on the Processor, RAM, Expansion Storage, and Communication technologies when we evaluating the technical aspect of the mobile devices. Communications can be as a part of functional criteria for conducting an evaluation. It can be evaluated in terms of Phone, E-mail, Web, Chat, and Video conference, Fax, SMS, MMS, T.V, and Downloading. This research found that the mobile device is a powerful tool as connectivity and communication technology device. Although it can be considerd as an appropriate tool for conducting the mobile learning, there are still some problems to be solved like the limited screen size and readability, the battery autonomy, and compatibility issues. It will be more beneficial if these devices support LAN connectivity (e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), WAN connectivity (e.g. GPRS, UMTS- Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), Internet connectivity (Web, email, chat, etc.), photo camera, expansion slots for extra memory (Compact Flash, Secure Digital, or Multimedia Card memory cards), play back audio and video files (specially MP3, MPEG4), GPS.
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http://www.slideshare.net/athra29/evaluation-of-educational-technologies1
References:Economides, A.A. & Nikolaou, N. : Evaluation of handheld devices for learning. International Journal of Engineering Education. Forthcoming
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