Implications of 4G Connectivity Related to M-Learning Contexts

A great deal of attention has been given recently to the potential applications of mobile devices in educational environments. The evolution to 4G (fourth generation mobile technology) with its improved technical features and cost efficiency provides a special opportunity for developing applications focused on the current requirements of learners and facilitators. It is widely recognized that portability, coverage, and access to mobile networks (among other elements) show great potential for the exploration of a wide range of applications of this technology in education. At the same time, substantial research is necessary in order to understand the psychological, ergonomic, organizational, and social factors that determine how people interact with and function using these networks in learning environments. This article proposes research strategies intended to integrate the technical, educational, and usability aspects of mobile technology in education and briefly discusses the potential of 4G as a detonator of converging and relevant m-learning applications.