Unleashing the Potential of Mobile Learning through SMS Text for Open and Distance Learners

• Main Authors: Lim , Tina Swee Kim, Ruzita Ramly,
• Other Authors: Kitchenham, Andrew
• Format: Book Section
• Published: IGI Global 2011
• Subjects: LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education; LB2300 Higher Education
• Online Access: http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/607/

Malaysia has a population of about 28 million people but there are, incredibly, more than 30 million mobile phone subscriptions. Sixth in the world in terms of SMS (Short Message Service) volume, Malaysians appear to be addictive SMS texters. With over 98 percent of its students having mobile phones and 82 percent of the students ready for learning through mobile phones, Open University Malaysia initiated a project that first experimented with podcasts and SMS texts later. This chapter describes how the institution conceptualized, planned, and created a mobile learning environment using SMS to enhance its current blended learning model in general, and in particular, one of its courses with over 1,000 students enrolled. The chapter also describes the categories used for formulating the SMS content, use of Twitter and Facebook to support the SMS sent and discusses the feedback received on the initiative as well as the issues and challenges. (Abstract by authors)