Abstract:
The ubiquity, accessibility and flexibility of mobile technologies suggests they will be valuable for professional learning, particularly in professions where most of the work does not occur at a set workstation. This chapter focuses on two such professions: teaching and nursing. But their use by these professions is not unproblematic (Aubusson, Schuck and Burden, 2009; Fisher, Higgins and Loveless, 2006; Wishart, 2009 ). While mobile activities are likely to contribute to these professionals' learning in the workplace, a tension arises regarding the ethical nature of such activities. This chapter explores the complexities and confusion faced by teachers and nurses in their use of work-based mobile learning. The chapter considers the ethical issues involved in the use of mobile technologies to capture, reflect upon and share moments of professional learning in these work-based contexts. It suggests a number of ethical principles which might provide a useful guide for professional practice for teaching and nursing and beyond.
