SmartLearn.MOBI moving beyond conventional classroom learning

The rapid advancement of mobile technologies are shifting the contemporary educational theories and practices to the next level of mobile learning in which social and collaborative features play an important role. In this paper, we adopt Sharples and Taylor's Task model to analyze mobile learning as a socio-technical activity system; and then architect a comprehensive platform, called as SmartLearn.MOBI, to cater for all the semiotic and technological needs of mobile learning. A server-side dynamic platform and a mobile web client were developed with the state-of-the-art technologies: real-time messaging (XMPP), Facebook-like news feed, video/audio live streaming (HTTP Live streaming), screen broadcasting (RFB), and location services in order to facilitate learning using any mobile smart device from anywhere. It provides a socializing context for both formalized learning and social learning on the go. The initial prototype has been implemented and is accessible at http://www.smartlearn.mobi/SL/.