Author Carlton Reeve explains how game mechanics overlap with learning theories. Excellent scheme when creating your own mobile learning game and you’re not sure how to implement your learning goals. Try clicking one of the learning theories to learn more!

PhD candidate Brian Quinn researched whether location based mobile games are a good tool for training firefighters. His project is now part of the Mobile Learning Academy. Read his report here.

The authors first review theories of learning in an attempt to identify the closeness of mobile learning to traditional notions of learning (like constructivist learning, problem-based learning etc) and to decide how practices of learning can be translated for mobile environments. They then review cases of implementation of mobile learning to elements of success and to abstract them into more general success criteria. Excellent read for organisations and teachers who want to take advantage of mobile technologies to enhance their students’ learning experiences.

This paper was written by Joost Raessens of the University of Utrecht for research carried out during the Frequency 1550 project. It explores the potential of games for education and specifically focusses on the learning effects of the game.

The research this paper is based on was conducted uring the Frequency 1550 project. The objectives of this paper are to generate insights into the practicalities and the effects of mobile game-based learning in secondary education on the development of pupils’ engagement in learning (more specifically their motivation for the subject history), historical knowledge and collaborative skills.

This research report shows the findings of research conducted by LSN, the Learning and Skills network in the United Kingdom. It focuses on the impact of mobile technologies on learning and teaching. The research covered 32 projects and approximately 10.000 teachers. Especially check out chapter 2 which summarizes the benefits of mobile learning for learners, staff and institutions.

This excellent resource by Creative Learning Lab is about the playful and creative use of GPS and mobile technology in education. It’s the theory the Mobile Learning Academy was based on. It first explains the theoretical context on mobile learning, but then goes on to show how using mobile technology in education can enhance the learning effects. A must read for anyone interested in mobile learning theory and a good summary of inspiring examples.