An Introduction to M – Learning in Iranian Universities Mehdi Afzali afzali@hacettepe.edu.tr Mahdi Bazargani mbzir@yahoo.com Department of Information Technology of Islamic Azad University Zanjan Branch, Iran June 2011

Agenda Introduction M-learning Technology E-learning In Iran M-learning In Iranian University Suggestion & Conclusion

Introduction Increasing use of ICT changes education methods Changes: Print mode to electronic mode Sending text,Audio,Video with cellular phone. Inclusive education : For every one , every where, every time. Two Concern For mobile technology custodians: The complexity of the offered technology with cellular phones Concentration to the educational needs of the applicants

Introduction(Cont.) M-Learning implies a learning environment in which instructors and students can access the learning system with portable devices over a wireless network . Mobile technology causes educational environment is better than before in ubiquity, instant connectivity, personalization, and self- directed. Digital Mobile Tools: Mobile Telephones PDAs(Personal Digital Assistants) Personal Digital Media Players We don’t focus on laptop

E-learning in Iran In 1970 ,the First Experience of remote education in Iran has been started by Open University. In 1991, for the first time an e-learning site in Tehran University provided nine courses for students. History of using Web for learning through PCs is more than 10 years. In 2006 the state of e-learning and application of information technology in Iran was reviewed.

E-learning in Iran 2006 15 university in 7 educational group accepted student. The total number of registered student was 1000 that year. 3 virtual universities received establishment license in the field of e-learning. No Activity on M-learning in 2006.

E-Learning in Iran Nowadays Only 13 universities and 5 Institutes admit students and train them for B.A/S and M.A/S degrees in different fields of study. More than 230 public and private universities is in Iran, the number of universities offer e-learning is very small. Ministry of Education also organized e-learning in 576 training center. The eagerness of students and their need for e-learning force universities to develop their educational services. Number of universities officially using M-Learning is 4. Some other universities are also exploring the use of M- Learning in their educational programs.

E-Learning in Iran Major problems of Iranian universities in e-learning : - technologies related to e-learning services - lack of resources needed in Persian contexts - Security in Information Exchange

M-Learning methods and models used in Iranian universities U. of Hadis Sciences U. of Shiraz Amirkabir U. Medical U. of Tehran Sharif Technical U. Tehran U. Islamic Azad U. Azerbaijan Virtual U. Methods using for content delivery Text x X Voice Image Film Multimedia Methods using for e-assessment presence distance Departments Engineering Medical Science Social Science

Conclusion Lack of appropriate technologic and networking infrastructures Cultural problems in the society Unfamiliarity of M-Learning Limited number of professors and experts Problems related to learning and educational management systems Limitation of subjects and quality of electronic content in Persian language Poor or difficult educational content Lack and non-use of national standards

Conclusion Important strategies to expand access and lower the limitations of M – Learning is: Development of national standards for sending Mobile Information. Culture in making optimal use of cell phones. Development of mobile learning in undergraduate levels. Enhance the software and hardware facilities. Preparation of required training content by professors and experts. Reducing training costs.

Q&A

M – Learning in Iranian Universities 1. University of Hadis Sciences 2. University of Shiraz 3. Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic) 4. Medical University of Tehran