Abstract:

E learning is popular among the students as the students are more interested in using new technology and they are very much comfortable with the electronics devices used for teaching. E learning classroom infrastructure requires space, computers, networks, internet connection etc.

E learning is preferred as distance education mode while Mobile learning could be used for distance education as well as supporting technology to the traditional class room teaching as GSM/GPRS
Modem provides various ways of communication via Bluetooth, infrared, data cable in addition to wireless communication mode. As long duration power cut off is a major problem in rural area mobile learning facility would not stop the students from gaining the knowledge as mobile phones would cater their need.

Learning material would consist of small, independent, interactive or non-interactive units or modules , simulation, games prepared using computers and stored in a database. In Interactive unit students could view, listen to, respond or interact with the content in some way, while Non-interactive units support reading or classroom discussion led by an instructor; it serves as an additional reference and/or review component of learning. Material prepared for E learning mode of education such as audio visual clips, power point presentation slides, video recording of live demonstration of Laboratory experiments could be shared with the students. GSM/GPRS modem is connected to the PC or Laptop, and it is used to send the material to the students according to their need via SMS or MMS at remote places and via blue tooth in a traditional classroom to make teaching and learning process more interesting and enjoyable

Mobile phones have some limitations. Some mobile phones do not support AT commands. Some mobiles do not support receiving SMS. and the material for current module being taught in the class room could be send to the students. Students who are unable to come to the class would also get the material via SMS

Mobile phones offer the facility of interaction using regional languages, multilingual material could be prepared. Mobile learning decreases limitation of learning as mobile phones are owned by the students, they are free to use them whenever they want without any time constraint. There is no need to use personal computer every time. As the material is available to them they can prepare hard copy according to their wish. As use of these gadgets do not require special training it could be used by untrained person.

SMS based tests could be also conducted to asses the performance of the students as it needs less amount of investment. The electronic material which is already developed for E Learning mode could be used for M Learning mode. Additional preparation cost is not involved. Mobile learning usimg GSM/GPRS does not require infrastructure such as computer, networking, internet connetion, Students can individually use their mobile phones and this would reuce the financial burden on the parents in terms of cost involved in terms of fees. Quality could be miantained as the same material would be distributed to external studennts. More work time is then translated into some other financial benefit.

Keywords:

Mobile classroom, GSM/GPRS modem, SMS, MMS, interactive learning.