There are many mobile devices out there today that allow users to surf the Internet, play games, and download applications. In addition to being a great source of entertainment, mobile devices are also an excellent tool for learning and education.

Technology has always played a major part in education, beginning with computers supporting groundbreaking research at universities.  Later, desktop computers arrived in our schools and in our homes.  Now, mobile phones and tablet computers are used by individuals of all ages for educational purposes. Below are five of the best devices available on the market today for mobile learning.

#1 – Apple iPhone

Did you know that the iPhone (and other mobile smart phones) have more processing power than the computers used by NASA on their Lunar Missions?

NASA Lunar Mission Computer. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.

Presently, there are thousands of educational apps for the iPhone that let users of all ages learn all sorts of things. ITunes U, one of the now standard Apple applications, which is used at more than 1,200 colleges, allows students to access textbooks, course material, videos, and more for each class.

In addition to university level courses being accessible via the iPhone, there are apps designed to help toddlers learn their shapes and colors, which are used daily by little ones holding their parents phones.

#2 – Apple iPad

Like the iPhone, the iPad has access to thousands of educational apps, iTunes U, and a mobile browser that lets individuals connect to the endless information on the Internet.  But the iPad also has some advanced learning opportunities.

Apple has released software, iBook Authoring, that has allowed experts of all subjects to create amazing interactive books, which can be downloaded to the iPad.  Some of these books can help people learn computer programming languages, new spoken languages, or even how to improve online marketing efforts.

#3 –- Samsung Galaxy Note 10

Having one of the largest screens in the tablet market, make this a great device for learning.  The Galaxy Note 10 comes equipped with a front facing camera for real-time collaboration and rear facing camera which can assist someone with limited vision to point and shoot video and pictures.

One of the keys features that separate this device from the rest is the use of the S Pen, which gives the function of pen and paper on the large display —great for taking notes in class or even jotting down your ideas and theories while on the go.  When integrating this technology with Samsung’s Smart School solution, this allows for a truly interactive experience.

The Samsung School solution enables teachers to instantly share screen content from tablet or PC screens to an E-board and students’ personal devices— teachers have a high level of control while increasing student engagement.

#4 – Google Nexus 7

The screen on the Nexus 7 is a bit smaller than most tablets at just 7 Inches, but the price of this powerful device makes it great for educational institutions and eLearners. Unfortunately, this device only has a front facing camera, which limits its ability to conference with others for learning discussion and interaction.

It includes built in Google technology for easy and quick access to the world’s information and it also supports Google Now, which learns with its user to display the most important information at just the right time. For eLearners, Google now can deliver up to date research, control scheduling, and help manage your day.

#5 – Kindle Fire HD

This device is geared towards content more than apps, which makes it a great device for textbooks, educational movies, and access to educational PDFs. This is the least expensive tablet on the market and Amazon has been selling them at bulk discounts to schools across the country.  Additionally, Amazon’s Whispercast service allows easy management of fleets of Kindle devices.

The Wispercast service is a central management system that operates similar to a server; providing a gateway for Internet service, managing user names and passwords, and controlling content access.

Many trials are running in schools in Florida and Texas, so we shall see where Amazon takes this.  For a basic tablet that gets rid of all those bulky textbooks, this is the one you want.

We have incredibly powerful devices in our hands every day, which are prefect for mobile learning.  Find the device that works for you and your needs and start learning while on the go today.

This is a guest post by Bryan Baker.  Bryan works with LeanForward, a mobile learning company.