Towards Ubiquitous Learning and Education

A broader sense of ‘ubiquitous learning/education (L/E)’ is emerging. This paper discusses the characteristics and requirements of new Information, Communication Technology-based (ICT-based) learning and education environments in higher education. 'Conventional' IT-aided learning, e-learning and distance learning programmes provided by educational organisations and universities, have recently been deployed on a right-application-in-the-right-place basis, after excessive expectations, feverish marketing and a variety of trials have spent themselves. On the other hand, new methods and forms of L/E are emerging, which utilise several elements, collectively known as Web2.0, which are rapidly expanding with the recent progress of ICT. In this new world of ubiquitous L/E, learners will participate and co-operate in the syndicating, re-mixing, creation, etc. of learning materials and environments, for the construction of distributed cooperative learning platforms. Furthermore, the recent trend towards opening up and sharing teaching and education materials, exemplified by such practice as OERs and OCW, will also play an important part in driving ubiquitous L/E. However, conventional methods should still be used together with Web2.0 type methods, where necessary and appropriate, in this new L/E environment.