The “any time, any place” capabilities of mobile technology, in particular, support learning experiences outside a teacher-managed classroom setting and help to build rich networked learning communities.

A two-year pilot project called Dunia Moja or “one world” has been trying to do exactly this. This multi-country mobile learning or “m-learning” project on environmental issues started in June 2007.

Dunia Moja uses a GPRS or 3G mobile connection and internet-enabled mobile handsets from Sony Ericsson to create an educational community involving students and faculty members from three African universities (the University of the Western Cape in South Africa, the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka in Tanzania and Makerere University in Uganda) and Stanford University in California, USA.

Reinhold Steinbeck, director of the Stanford University International Outreach Program, which launched Dunia Moja, says: “We are into something very innovative and exciting that we hope will change the paradigm of learning, not only in our educational environment but throughout the African continent.”

The mobile technology helps students and faculty members from remote areas to participate in global discussions. This is done through increased communications and access to audio-, video- and text-based course materials, as well as to online discussion forums, blogging and multimedia content.

With the rapid increase in mobile subscribers around the world, in particular in emerging markets, m-learning represents an opportunity to acquire new customers in areas with limited fixed-line infrastructure.

In addition to increasing access to new content and a diverse academic community, m-learning enhances participants’ educational experiences. “From a pedagogical perspective, m-learning has an enormous added value, making learning more meaningful, collaborative, relevant and context-rich,” says Steinbeck.

Those running the Dunia Moja project have encountered many challenges, but have also had several successes. “We anticipate that the shared understanding developed during face-to-face interactions, ongoing web course communications and joint media production will build capacity throughout the network and lead to growth and further collaboration,” says Steinbeck.

The project has also promoted sustainability through the use of existing facilities and services.  Local universities now have a stronger feeling of ownership, and have identified ways in which mobile technology can help increase environmental and conservation awareness in local communities.

“The next phase of the project will provide a meaningful opportunity for the Dunia Moja network to make a difference with regards to the environment, conservation and community development, and to look at how technology can help achieve those goals,” says Steinbeck.

As an additional benefit, building the wireless infrastructure and making the most of internet- and multimedia-enabled handsets for m-learning in Africa can help set the stage for future economic empowerment in the region.

Carmen López-Clavero