Mobile technology use has increased faster than that of any other technology in our history, and developing countries have the fastest growth rate of mobile technology acquisition. Mobile Web usage is expected to double within five years and so become the most common way of accessing the Web. People in remote locations and in developing countries are moving directly to mobile technology rather than acquiring desktop and notebook computers. Mobile technology (mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, etc.) has been proven to be a powerful learning tool.

Educators and governments must be prepared to use mobile learning approaches to meet the needs of, and empower, the current and future generations of learners. Successful implementation of mobile learning, however, requires organisations to have the proper infrastructure, people, policies and training programmes. This start-up guide will help.

The Knowledge Series is a topical, start-up guide to distance education practice and delivery.