Supporting Vocational Education and Training through Mobile Learning Environments

As with many emerging paradigms, there are several attempts to define m-learning. According to Kinshuk et. al. (2003), "m-learning is defined as the ability of using handheld devices to access learning resources". Vavoula and Sharpies (2002) claim that there are "three ways that learning can be considered mobile, that is, in terms of space; in different areas of life, and with respect of time", whereas Wood (2003) considers that "m-learning refers to the use of mobile and handheld IT devices, such as PDAs, mobile phones, laptops and tablet PCs, in teaching and learning". Within this context, the SMILE Project (www. ask4research. info/smile) aims in investigating some common questions about mobile training: Is it just new technology-driven mean of delivering training content? Does it facilitate new enhanced methods of learning and training (i.e., situated learning)? Does it call for the development and validation of new pedagogical approaches?