1. An Introduction to M – Learning in Iranian Universities
Mehdi Afzali
Mahdi Bazargani
Department of Information Technology of Islamic Azad University Zanjan Branch, Iran
June 2011

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. Q&A

13. 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