Handheld Learning

Handheld Learning is part of the Learning Without Frontiers organisation.

Our focus is on learning and teaching practice enhanced by the use of mobile and ubiquitous technologies.

Our vision is that the technologies that are becoming increasingly commonplace within the everyday lives of many people will also be used for powerful learning experiences both in and outside the traditional education environment.

These technologies range from mobile phones to games consoles, low cost laptops to media players, social media platforms to media sharing networks and more in a world where learners are becoming more connected.

In an age where more people on our planet have mobile phones than don't and where mobile phones and handheld entertainment devices outsell laptop and desktop computers by 4:1 we believe there are huge opportunities to make transformational improvements in learning that will affect everyone.

The expectation of today's learners is elevated as a consequence of modern media and consumer electronics. Often the experiences gained at home with their own technology is significantly out of kilter with that found in the school or university resulting in a "power down" effect when they enter educational establishments.

Our mission is create the platforms that enable exploration, knowledge-sharing and debate around new learning and teaching practices that step outside of the traditional frameworks prescribed for educational ICT.

To achieve this goal we host one of the most active online communities of thought leaders, opinion formers, innovators and practitioners working with mobile and ubiquitous technologies.

Since 2005 we have hosted one of the largest international conferences focussed on this rapidly emerging trend in learning. The annual Handheld Learning Conference now draws an audience of nearly 1,000 people from across the globe to meet, discuss and network.

We also undertake independent research studies, consultancy, bespoke events and special projects. As a consequence of our large community network if we don't know the answer we probably know someone who does.

We were formed in 2004 by Graham Brown-Martin who had envisaged the use of mobile computing devices for learning by children since the mid-1980's when one of his companies was awarded a government grant to develop one. Our active shareholders include the former Chairman of Sony Europe and President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Chris Deering, Sega Europe's former Chairman and deputy Managing Director, Frank Herman, Virgin Interactive Entertainments former President, Tim Chaney and renowned visionary educationalist, Professor Stephen Heppell.

We are based in London.
Meet some of the team.