Abstract
Currently there are multiple types of mobile handheld devices supporting different data formats, image sizes and network architectures. The above situation results in the barriers of mobile learning promotion, such as cross-platform digital content browsing, mobile learning content development and instructional course delivery. To eliminate the difficulties and to diffuse mobile learning, a solution－AMPLe (Across Mobile Platform Learning system) has been developed. AMPLe is mainly aiming at 2 objectives: 1). Providing a simple editing and uploading method of digital materials to educators; 2). Delivering digital content to the learners using handheld devices like mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDA) and tablet PCs simultaneously. During system development, the researcher reviewed related literatures on learning theories and mobile technologies to design the appropriate system functionalities. In order to evaluate the performance of AMPLe, the wetland crab observation in nature science course of elementary school was integrated into the system. The researcher built up a crab database with diversified inquiry criteria for teachers and students who are interested in this field. In the stage of system implementation, the researcher identified important factors affecting outdoor mobile learning including mobile device usability, natural environment, system function design and instruction strategies. Finally, future suggestions on mobile learning system design, considerations of device usage, application scope of mobile learning and mobile internet access are provided for further studies.