Overview
ISO/IEC 29140:2021 - "Information technology for learning, education and training - Nomadicity and mobile technologies" defines a learner information model and guidance for applying it in mobile learning (m‑learning) environments. Published in 2021 by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 36, this first edition replaces earlier Technical Specifications and responds to rapid uptake of mobile technologies, nomadic learning patterns and emerging mobile capabilities (AR/VR, voice I/O, 3D, etc.). The standard is a practical reference for designing interoperable, learner-centred mobile learning solutions.
Key Topics
- Learner information model for mobile learning: guidance on structuring learner data specifically to support mobile participants and nomadic scenarios.
- Minimum recommended and optional learner information: definitions of core learner attributes and additional optional data to improve personalization and interoperability.
- Dimensions for optimal mobile experience:
- Learner dimension (preferences, accessibility needs)
- Content dimension (adaptation to individual learner needs)
- Device capability dimension (screen, input, sensors)
- Connectivity dimension (behaviour at varying network speeds)
- Coordination (synchronization and session continuity)
- Learner interaction model: interactions among learners, resources, ITLET systems, devices, interfaces and environments.
- Examples and use cases: mobile student use, digital textbooks, AR training, exam-practice apps, medical student bedside learning, language learning apps and game-based scenarios.
- Relevant terminology: definitions such as adaptive design and AI as applied to mobile learning contexts.
Applications
ISO/IEC 29140:2021 is intended to help design and implement mobile-aware learning systems that are:
- Interoperable across platforms and learning management systems (LMS)
- Adaptive to device capabilities and connectivity constraints
- Personalized using learner profile data for better engagement and accessibility
Practical uses include:
- Designing mobile-friendly LMS features and APIs
- Defining learner profile schemas for mobile apps and backend systems
- Guiding instructional designers to create content that adapts to device and network conditions
- Informing developers of AR/VR and voice-enabled learning applications about required learner metadata
Who should use it
- Software developers and implementers building mobile learning platforms and LMS integrations
- Instructional designers, teachers and trainers creating mobile-first learning experiences
- Organizations deploying mobile training (corporate, healthcare, museums, higher education)
- Automated systems and content providers aiming for seamless mobile delivery
Related standards
- Supersedes ISO/IEC TS 29140:2020 and earlier parts ISO/IEC TS 29140‑1/‑2:2011
- Developed under ISO/IEC JTC 1, SC 36 (Information technology for learning, education and training)
Keywords: ISO/IEC 29140:2021, mobile learning, nomadicity, learner information model, LMS, adaptive design, educational technology, connectivity, device capability.