Quinn (2011) recognizes that mobile devices are powerful tools that can be used to support e-Learning and in themselves, can provide unique learning opportunities.  He breaks down his mobile design into four groups:

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Content: one of the most common uses of a mobile device is to access media such as video, photos, texts or information from the Internet.  This information is available on demand and can be viewed as often as required by the user.  It can make the user more efficient and reduce lag time when trying to solve problems or look for information.

 

Capture: information, such as photos, videos, voices, data from sensors and text can all be entered or captured by mobile devices. Having the device continuously in the hands of the user means that information and spontaneous events can be recorded.  Once stored on the device, the information can be stored, altered and shared.

 

Compute: computations may be difficult for individuals.  All hand held devices are equipped with calculators that can be used to solve complex questions or be used to solve multistep problems.  Data can also be stored in the device and then displayed in different ways, such as charts and graphs.

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Communicate: Quinn sees this aspect as one of the most valuable asset of any mobile device.  Phones can be used to call, email, text, SMS and communicate globally through Social Media. Photos, videos and text can easily be shared with others by simply hitting a couple of icons on the phone’s screen.  M-Learning allows students to communicate with peers, instructors and subject specific experts in the global community. (Quinn, 2011)