Students in Germany will soon be able to access lectures via their mobile phones, allowing them to stay in bed and keep up with the latest knowledge.
The technology was developed by Franz Lehner of the University of Regensburg. He said: "Mobile learning is the next step in the area of e-learning, and we are always looking for ways to give students better access to study materials."
Lectures will be broadcast live and later recorded, and anyone with a modern GPRS mobile phone with Wap can tune in.
Professor Lehner said the system, the first of its kind in Europe, would help students manage their time better. He said: "If he or she cannot personally attend a lecture for any reason they can simply watch over their mobile phone wherever they are."
He added that summaries of lectures would also be recorded allowing students to catch up in ten or 15 minutes.
Professor Lehner said the system would not detract from the one-to-one tuition. "It is not meant to replace lectures, but rather as a back-up for occasions when students cannot get to the university. It would not be practical, academically or financially, to watch hours of lectures on a mobile."
To access the service, students need the latest in mobile-phone technology.
A 30-minute connection would cost €50 (£35).