Mobile learning - why tablets?

Although flexible and distance learning has been an integral part of the education landscape for many years , the nature of learning using technology has experienced an unprecedented rate of change over the last decade. This change has been also reflected in the terminology used to describe this learning, such as e - learning, m - learning and more. In the broadest sense, the new technologies have been a catalyst for merging the boundaries of formal, informal and lifelong learning. Global economies are driving aspects of social change through the adaptation of new technologies for everyday business and transactions. As such education needs to transform itself in order to adopt these technologies in learning and teaching. As Sharples (2006) points out ' we are now entering the mobile age, where phones are carried everywhere... airplane seats are entertainment centres, computer games are handheld, and advertising is ubiquitous ' (Sharples, 2006, p. 2). Education needs to change if learning is to meet the challenges and opportunities of the mobile age. In recent times the tablet has been the tool of choice, especially the iPad, by many educational institutions to provide innovative learning opportunities. This brief, will not address the theoretical issues of education and its role in an ever changing technology driven society. Its primary focus is on the pedagogical aspects that aid in the improvement of teaching and learning through the use of digital devices and in particular tablets including the iPad.