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techniques that increase image quality post image
file conversion and the potential for true color
image reproduction.
ment activities become more frequent. Concerted
efforts to assure users of the positive aspects of
newly implemented m-leaning technology should
be addressed by system designers.
Environmental Wireless Sensor Use
Wireless Networking Technology
Enhancing the user experience and usability of
m-learning device technology by using environ-
mental sensors as proposed by Chang, Wang, and
Liu (2009), provides a glimpse into the future of
mobile learning. For example, gestural inputs
would enable individual and group learning.
Another type of sensor, Global Positioning Sys-
tem (GPS), could be used to enhance instruction.
GPS sensors together with mobile devices could
enhance student engagement by augmenting real-
ity and placing the student partly in an immersive
virtual learning environment. Other sensors such
as thermal and force related sensors provide an
unbounded platform for sensor use in m-learning
environments. These various wireless sensors
could become subcomponents of a larger con-
nected wireless sensor network to enhance the
user's experience. This wireless network could
have vast scalability potential and could accom-
modate diverse instructional content.
Wireless networking technology provides a means
of communication between instruction and student,
allowing students to remain physically unbound
to a fixed computing workstation. Standards such
as IEEE 802.11 allow for the seamless interoper-
ability among network designers and equipment
manufacturers. Future challenges include ensuring
higher bandwidth capacity, minimizing interfer-
ence with other devices, and ensuring improved
operational conditions.
concLuSIon
Distance education and m-learning are rapidly
growing and gaining support as viable educational
modalities mainly because of the ubiquitous nature
of wireless mobile devices. M-learning is further
enabled by advances in wireless network technol-
ogy including WiFi, 3G, and WiMAX networks.
The application of wireless mobile devices in
m-learning environments can be generalized into
one overarching objective: to enable students
to have access to class material without being
subjected to a physical classroom or in front of a
computer at a set point in time; which is also the
main benefit of m-learning.
A key component of a m-learning environ-
ment is the software that mobile devices require.
Traditionally, companies developed proprietary
software and assumed all developmental costs
and revenues. Open source software develop-
ment allows free access for developers and us-
ers to software code for operating systems and
third-party applications software. The benefits
are lower shared developmental costs, increased
creative solutions, and increased positive user
User Perception in M-Learning
User perception is sometimes overlooked in mo-
bile device design. Interactive Response Systems
(IRS) are composed of handheld wireless devices
that allow a user to answer questions posed by an
instructor as instruction is administered. Imple-
mentation of this type of technology may have
some challenges. Liu (2009) asserts that perceived
usefulness of a newly introduced technology is
the most important factor or challenge affect-
ing successful technology use among students.
This implies that instructors and administrators
should focus on the usefulness of the proposed
implemented technology and the benefit afforded
by its usage. By doing so, satisfaction and human
engagement increases and peer referral and recruit-
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