Handheld Learning - learning with mobile and ubiquitous technologies

          Overall, the results of this experiment are in agreement with previous studies, showing a 10-30% slower
reading speeds when reading online. The significant difference between paper and online reading for one and two
column formats may be associated with users' decline of sense of orientation when reading long lines of text (single
wide columns) online, most probably resulting in losing track and having to re-read the same words.
          On the other hand, the paper reading group were observed to use different methods to keep track of where
they are in the passage. Some used their finger to point to the words they were reading, others tended to use a pencil
or a pen to guide them through their reading path. These methods were observed to be used less often when reading online (although some users did use their mouse pointer to guide them in keeping track with their reading location)

Although previous research showed that participants would prefer text presented in three columns than on a single column, there no significant difference was. This might be due to the familiarity of users with single column compared to the two or three column format.
The results of this study suggest that designers of online information should consider that reading online is slower than on paper, and they should take steps (using bigger font sizes, high contrast between text and background) to enhance online reading speed. Further research on this topic is necessary in order to identify and quantify the different parameters that Muter and Maurutto (1991) pointed out as possible reasons for differences in
online and paper reading speed.

“At last Europeans can breathe a sigh of relief as the EU Roaming Regulation finally becomes binding law across all Member States. We hope we've now seen the last of excessive roaming charges. I note with satisfaction that some operators are offering the new Eurotariff already as of 1 July," said EU Telecom Commissioner Viviane Reding. "The Commission will, however, continue to monitor prices, in particular for SMS and data roaming, to make sure consumers do not suffer in other ways and to ensure after three years there is no longer a need to regulate. I hope that operators now understand the EU's ability to act. My message to them: Move now and bring SMS and data roaming charges down quickly, or we will be forced to also intervene there very shortly."


The EU Regulation will, as of this summer, enable consumers to benefit from a ‘Eurotariff’ that sets a maximum limit for calls made (€0.49 excl. VAT) and received (€0.24 excl. VAT) when abroad. Operators are expected to compete below this consumer cap. The price caps will be further reduced in 2008 and 2009.