Mobile Learning in Health-Related Disciplines (2009–2018): A Review of Case Studies with the FRAME Model

In the past decade, mobile learning has become one of the mainstream channels for delivering education in various disciplines. Health-related education is an area which is regarded as suitable for the use of mobile devices because of its various learning environments, such as classrooms, laboratories and wards. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the case studies on mobile learning in health-related disciplines in the period 2009–2018. The Framework for the Rational Analysis of Mobile Education (FRAME) (Koole 2009) was adopted as the model for analysis, which conceptualises mobile learning as an intersection of the device, learner and social aspects. A total of 62 relevant papers were collected from Scopus and the Web of Science. The results showed an increasing number of practices in various countries over the years. The practices in recent years have focused less on the hardware capabilities of mobile devices and more on the effects of mobile learning on learners, such as enhancing their understanding of concepts and their ability to apply information to unique situations and needs. Finally, the research trends and needs of mobile learning in health-related disciplines are discussed.