Bringing change in secondary schools: can mobile learning via mobile phones be implemented in malaysia?

Abstract

Innovations in mobile learning can lead to a change paradigm in education; mobile technologies are believed to have the potential to be used in teaching and learning in schools. This paper discusses the feasibility of employing mobile phones for mainstream schooling in Malaysia. The paper describes the various perceptions of the use of mobile phones for learning by reflecting on the positive opinion from educational researchers around the world, including Malaysia. The justifications of employing mobile phones for teaching and learning in secondary schools in Malaysia are examined. Current initiatives in the use of mobile phones for teaching and learning together with the examples of schools which utilise mobile phones in educational activities are explored. Challenges and opportunities in the realisation of mobile learning through mobile phones in Malaysia are examined by consultation with stakeholders based on the current social, political and economic situation in the mainstream education in Malaysia. The paper concludes that there are strong positive arguments for employing mobile technology