1. Mobile Learning
Technology has undoubtedly shaped the way we
now learn. But I think the changing patterns of
learning reflect more profound changes in society.
Across many aspects of public services and private
activities, people are demanding a more personal
approach. One that puts them in charge. One that
gives them more say in what, how, where and
when.
John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation,
2. Mobile Learning
At its simplest level, mobile learning often shortened
to m-learning refers to learning activities made
possible by lightweight handheld devices that are
easily transported from place to place. Although not
designed primarily for educational use, there is
growing evidence that handheld devices can be
harnessed to maximise learning potential. Such
devices are at the forefront of technological
development and influenced by market forces.
3. Examples of Mobile Learning tools
Tablets
• Tablets can be expensive gadgets but can also prove to be
useful in the classroom. Their ebook facility is a benefit with
reduced budgets in schools and with audio and video
facilities it suits the digital reader. The ebooks can be
highlighted and access to a dictionary to help understand
new terms or words is a beneficial plus. Relevant
information can be stored and printed. Other similar features
are ebrary that can be accessed on more traditional pcs and
book marked and stored for future referencing.
4. Mobile Learning Tools
Tablets
• Students like the gadget as it is portable and wireless.
The tablets also work with cloud technology which allows
them to become collaborative devices. The tablets can
be used for individual use or indeed linked to
whiteboards for group work.
• There are numerous apps for the tablets to enhance
learning
5. Mobile Learning Tools
Phone
• The basic use of phones has been to use sms and
notify students about attendance or results. The
development of the phone has allowed for
engagement in online polls or surveys in the classroom
to engage the student and visualise information via the
interactive whiteboard. Links to vle systems and
introduction of blended learning has pushed the mobile
into the forum of education and the devopment of
mobile apps has presented an influx in how the phone
can be used along with internet facilities.
6. Mobile Learning tools
Phones
Phones are a personal device that can be used to
retain and engage the student;
Polls and surveys can use the technology to allow
students to participate in the classroom e.g.
http://www.polleverywhere.com/ classroom with their
phone in an educational format;
Links to VLE can allow learning in an anytime
anywhere environment for adult learners or those on work
placement;
7. Mobile Learning Tools
Phones
Collaboration through phones is another feature and with
software such as skype communication is a growing
interface between lecturer and student;
They are cheaper and more portable than laptops;
They have cameras and video that can be used in lessons
or interview or research;
They have internet facilities and collaboration features;
Mobilicious allows bookmarking on your mobile like
del.icio.us on the pc.
8. Mobile Learning
Phones
Web site for other uses for the mobile phone below
http://olliebray.typepad.com/olliebraycom/2006/10/fifty_ideas_in__2.
html
Mobiles are also an extension of e-learning that enables
digital learning resources to be accessible outside the
college or institution.
However mobile technology can put up barriers for disabled
users who may struggle with touch screen devices, small
screens and buttons and complex menu systems.
ml
9. Mobile Learning
Mobile Apps
The growth of mobile apps has seen an explosion in the
field of education and collaboration and social networking.
In the past 5 years the phone has turned into a
camera, video, internet browser, social network .In the
area of educating this can be turned into a vital link
between adult learners and remote learners as a bridge
to learning where the requirement of sitting in a class room
wasn’t viable.
Lesson examples with Mobile apps.:
http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/edu/lesson_plans.html
10. Mobile Learning
PDA’s Palms etc
• PDAs, Palms, Mobile phones – many have the facilities
for note-taking and speech recognition. Issues related to
these devices include small screens and excessive on-
screen scrolling both horizontally and vertically.
However, for organisational and time management skills
they can help certain students and allow for successful
data transfer to computers. Portable scanning pens are
also useful for this. These devices can enhance
communication links and develop time management
skills through shared diaries and calendars in adult
classes.
11. Mobile Learning
iPad
The iPad is clearly being promoted as a media device with
what appear to be elegant interfaces to save and review
media including books, magazines, newspapers, and
downloaded audio and video content.
Users will easily be able to view or listen to that material to
their hearts content. Naturally, they'll be able to engage
others with social networking tools and sites in a relatively
portable platform, compared to a laptop or desktop. Not so
portable compared to a Smartphone though.
12. Mobile Learning
iPad
As well, for eLearning purposes, clearly, based upon
screen size alone the iPad appears to be a better choice
than the iPhone or other smartphones such as Google's
Android .Another missing feature is an integrated camera.
Naturally this would be important for asynchronous
classroom discussions / meetings. However, another is the
lack of built in USB or an SD card slot. You'll need one of a
few adapters or the dock connector to use these features
or attach devices like a webcam via USB.
Full report
http://www.utechtips.com/2009/11/03/50-educational-apps-
for-the-ipod-touch/
13. Mobile Learning
Camera
Digital images and their manipulation, is becoming an
essential skill for teachers. Images can be used very
productively and imaginatively in programmes such as
these.
Students can use digital camera images in digital projects.
Students can use digital cameras in different settings and
for contrasting purposes, including during field trips and in
science and art projects. Classroom Projects and Trips
Lecturers can incorporate digital cameras into
science, art, math, bulletin board, book, creative writing and
English projects
Use photographs to illustrate the process for complicated
projects or for science experiments.
14. Mobile Learning
Camera
Take lots of pictures while on visits or trip and build a
webpage
Record tasks on work placement or procedures carried out
and upload to a vle
Open source software offers a wide range of manipulating
packages for free that can create innovative ideas and
engage creativity in groups or individuals.
Videos listed show how cameras can be used in education
• http://edutechie.com/2007/06/06/8-ways-to-use-camera-phones-
in-education/
• http://drscavanaugh.org/digitalcamera/
• http://terpconnect.umd.edu/~toh/image/DigitalCameraUses.htm
• http://drscavanaugh.org/digitalcamera/whatdo.htm
