In this paper we present a survey of published research in mobile learning. We investigated 76 papers from mLearn 2007 and 2008, and classified them according to two dimensions: research method and research purpose. Research methods and purposes are important parts of how research is conducted. Alas, opinions and approaches towards research differ greatly. The classified papers are evenly distributed among the research methods investigated, with one exception, being few in Basic research. In terms of research purpose, papers aimed to describe were well represented while there was a lack of papers targeting evaluation. Papers recounting both Basic research and research done to evaluate are imperative since they help a research field to mature and also help researchers to avoid repeating known pitfalls. This maturity, in turn, will lead to better scalability and sustainability for future research efforts in the community of mobile learning.