Practice
So why use mobile devices for teaching and learning?
Every time a new piece of technology is launched onto the market, a frenzy appears and proud owners of the latest gadgetry can demonstrate all the gizmos and functions to friends and family.
In essence, most mobile devices have similar functionalities. They may differ in megapixel capacity of the camera or webcam, or have a touchscreen text input rather than keyboard entry. They may all store and play sound or video files, but may differ in the way the files are formatted or transferred to the device.
But all, to a greater or lesser degree, can help manage and support teaching and learning - whether you have a device from the Apple family such as an ITouch or IPod, a Smartphone or PDA/phone or an ultra-mobile pc or mini-laptop. Even a non-Smart phone with basic functions can be a useful tool for learners.
This section looks at the following potential ways mobile devices can be used:
- For writing text notes and reading text, such as e-books
- A picture says a thousand words - how images and videos can inspire and enthuse learners
- How sound can add an extra dimension to text or images
- How sharing files and connecting with others plays an important part of collaborative learning
- For using a simple text message in an imaginative way
- How games and bite-sized quizzes put fun and interaction into learning
- Using positional data to learn about the wide world
Browse the sections and see how you can blend m-activities into your teaching and learning.
Your institution could be at the early stages of implementing e-learning and you might find staff reluctant to engage with m-learning before their confidence has grown. Case studies are emerging as part of the evaluation of the MoLeNET projects in 2008, if examples and exemplar practice is what you seek. The JISC publication 'Innovative Practice with e-Learning' - describes the journey towards embedding aspects of technology-mediated learning, including mobile and wireless technologies, into practice. It recommends to "ensure that the technology is not driving the decision-making, but is used as part of a planned response to the institution's strategic aims". If you are a manager and wish to identify where your institution is at in terms of mobile learning use the Audit and Planning Tools.
Accessible m-learning
Mobile learning can provide opportunities to a wide group of learners but, like with any teaching approach, you may find that some learners experience barriers and constraints to become involved as a mobile learner.
However, mobile learning can provide opportunities for some learners who might otherwise not be able to engage.
The JISC Techdis service is an advisory service, working across the UK, in the fields of accessibility and inclusion. The Techdis website contains a plethora of ideas and helpful guides with examples, as well as an M-Accessibility model with scenarios to help see how mobile technologies can meet the needs of learners.
The 'Making it Accessible' section of the NIACE Mobile Technology website also offers useful ideas for practitioners.
Oaklands College has participated in MoLeNET and Phillip Ruffell, IT and 'MoleTeacher', explains in the video below how mobile learning has enhanced his learners' experience.