Cost-effective mobile based learning content delivery in resources and network constrained environments

The advancement in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has brought opportunities for new ways of learning in Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) through e-learning systems. While these opportunities exist, e-learning contents delivery and accessibility in third world countries like Tanzania is still a challenge due to resource and network constrained environments. The challenges include: high cost of bandwidth connection and usage; high dependency on the Internet; limited mobility and portability features; inaccessibility during offline period and shortage of ICT facilities. So there is a need for a technology to bridge these gaps. This paper explores the opportunities brought by mobile technologies to find out a cost-effective solution for e-learning content delivery and accessibility in HLIs of Tanzania. Specifically, the paper proposes a Cost-effective Mobile Based Learning Content Delivery approach for resource and network constrained environments. The proposed solution has the potential to reduce the cost of bandwidth usage, and cut down server´s workload and Internet usage overhead by synchronizing contents from a remote server to a local database in the user´s device for offline use. It will also improve the quality of experience and participation of learners as well as facilitate mobility and portability in learning activities.