They have been learning about the defence of Singapore during World War II mostly in the classroom.

But now, using a mobile learning app, Singapore Armed Forces officer cadets can take their learning outfield, tracing the main Japanese invasion route in 1942 as part of their lessons.

The half-day programme being piloted by the Officer Cadet school (OCS) was launched today at Labrador Park. It aims for cadets to understand better the fall of Singapore and the tactical lessons to be learnt from it.

The app was developed by the National Heritage Board in collaboration with app developer LDR.

OCS commander Col Chua Boon Keat said that using mobile technology to assist in the cadets' learning "could help them better appreciate concepts like the importance of defending our country, so as to strengthen their commitment to defence".