A Look at Research on Mobile Learning in K–12 Education From 2007 to the Present

AbstractThe purpose of this literature review is to examine data-based studies published on mobile learning in K–12 from 2007 to the present. In total, 63 studies from 15 refereed journals were selected for analysis. The findings are organized in four themes: (a) comparison studies, (b) nocomparison studies, (c) mobilized learning, and (d) academic content areas. The findings showed research was primarily exploratory in nature and focused on understanding the educational affordances of using mobile devices in instructional practices. Affordances examined in the studies were identified within the contexts of multiple academic disciplines. Additionally, trends were observed, and critical issues to consider for future research are discussed.Keywords: m-learningmobile devicesK–12 education AcknowledgmentsThe authors acknowledge the assistance of Angela Karam in searching and gathering the articles for this research project.Additional informationNotes on contributorsMin LiuMin Liu is a professor of learning technologies in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at The University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests focus on educational uses of new media, the design of new media enriched interactive learning environments for learners at all age levels, the use of mobile technologies in teaching and learning, and use of Web 2.0 tools to facilitate instruction. Please address correspondence regarding this article to Min Liu, Department of Curriculum & Instruction, The University of Texas at Austin, 1912 Speedway Stop D5700, Austin, TX 78712-1293, USA. E-mail: MLiu@austin.utexas.eduRobert ScordinoRobert Scordino is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at The University of Texas at Austin. His research interests focus on technology in the social studies, mobile learning, and user studies.Renata GeurtzRenata Geurtz is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at The University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests focus on the digital divide in K–12 schools and technology integration.Cesar NavarreteCesar Navarrete is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at The University of Texas at Austin. His research interests focus on mobile device use in K–12 education, 21st-century digital literacies, creative thinking with technology, and constructionist curricula.Yujung KoYujung Ko is a doctoral student in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at The University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests focus on mobile learning, teacher education, and technology integration.Mihyun LimMihyun Lim is a doctoral student in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at The University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests focus on technology integration in education and professional development in teacher preparation program.