Recent Developments in E-Learning and M-Learning and their Roles in future Pedagogical Systems and Educational Technologies

Abstract

The paper reviewed the current literature on e-learning and m-learning from 2004 to 2022 based on the most cited, peer-reviewed, published data from the Thomson Reuters’ Web of Science (WoS) database.  The resulting thirty-eight (38) materials were comprised of scientific articles, conference papers, books and book reviews.  The materials revealed the current status, future developments, along with the challenges and prospects of m-learning and e-learning in literature. The findings showed that the concepts of m-learning and e-learning are not mutually exclusive and bear many similarities.  Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that m-learning is not only an offspring but the panacea for the many challenges e-learning which affords users with speedy, cost-effective and on-the-go learning resources.  As a result, m-learning has experienced significant growth over the years catalysed by advances in ICT and the widespread availability of the internet worldwide.  Other interesting improvements include interactive tools, software and applications along with key computer features to improve the security of users, privacy, and resources. Most notable is public key infrastructure (PKI) and attribute certificates (ACS).  Other features aim to enhance interaction and collaboration between students and teachers.  In general, the study showed that future of pedagogical systems and educational technologies for the delivery of educational materials and learning resources will be greatly enhanced by the acceptance, adoption, and integration of e-learning and m-learning into the traditional classroom learning environments of the future.