Mobile Learning for People with Special Needs Introduction to the Special Thematic Session

Ownership and use of mobile devices has become prevalent in recent years and many people have become comfortable with the use of smartphones and tablets on a daily basis. There is growing evidence that portable technology devices are having an impact on people's lives and many people typically use the devices communication and access to social media. Initially, little thought was given to the use of mobile devices for learning. The term "mobile learning" has evolved to refer to: the use of technology that is fully mobile, and the mobility of the users. It also refers to the behavior of the learners as they use the technology to learn and the learning process they engage in. Despite the fact that mobile learning is on the rise, the use of mobile devices as the primary delivery mode for learning activities is still somewhat limited. In addition, the use of mobile devices as a learning tool for people with special needs is an area that is largely unexplored. This paper will provide a short introduction to the use of mobile devices as a learning tool for people with disabilities.