Day 2 – M-learning devices and apps
Day 2
Good m-learning device?
If I were to use the Koole (2009) framework my mobile phone would be considered a good m-learning companion. However, I only use it for that regard if I have to, which is practically often. However, I use it more for reading and answering short blogs or responses. For responses requiring longer messages it is not very user friendly, regarding typing and navigating websites quickly and efficiently. My mobile provider has merged with a company offering 4G and I do have a data package hence I think this would improve. However, typing is still quite inconvenient as is viewing of material. Also, when using the Vista LMS pages do not always load well and replying to posts are not always that simple. Critical also, in this multimedia learning climate is that my data package does not include watching of videos, which would increase my bill, unless I have access to a wireless connection. Therefore, it really is just a stop gap.
Mobile App Evaluation
Problem targeted – Targets language skills for children in both English and Spanish
Affordances of mobile – The app relies of the ability for viewing flash content
Non-mlearning methods – include textbooks, games, cd roms.
Comparison – The App offers multi-media and interactive capabilities, not found in texts but found in games and cd roms. Games offer fun elements but the mobile app also includes song and interaction that increase the fun factor. The mlearning capabilities offer increased accessibility and portability and the ability to link many other support processes easily, such as instruction, rewards, interaction, levels and quizzes.
For further reading – http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/10/prweb4681524.htm
2. Blackboard on Android
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd74JXb30QQ
Problem – creating LMS (online learning) for access on mobile phones
Affordances – connection to university system, creation of widgets
Non-mlearning methods – Online LMS and CMS systems particularly open source systems.
Comparison – The App offers more user friendly and organizational elements in managing and interacting with content. For example, the creation and use of widgets and opportunities to organize courses according to favourites/ more frequently accessed. It also offers more social elements by allowing options to view groups associated within the University et al.
For further reading – http://www.blackboard.com/Platforms/Mobile/Products/Mobile-Learn.aspx
Kerry-Ann
Posted in: Week 11: Mobiles
David William Price 8:24 pm on November 18, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Interesting that you use your mobile for answering short posts and reading. What kind of reading do you do on it? Which mobile do you have? How might you use your mobile to encourage learning out in the “real world”… interacting with real life problems and collaborating in groups to apply knowledge previously learned through more traditional methods?
khenry 4:51 pm on November 19, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi David,
Great questions. The readings surround navigating web/blog sites and hyperlinked material. I have a blackberry. Availability for on spot research is a significant area that i would encourage, particularly in problem solving and using social or messaging networks or groups to brainstorm or checking references
Kerry-Ann
hall 11:44 pm on November 20, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Kerry Ann,
I enjoy reading your post. It is very informative. I too have a blackberry which I find very useful for on the spot research. I constant use it when observing a student during his or her teaching practicum to matriculate for the diploma in education.
khenry 11:15 am on December 4, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I do as well. On the spot research, recording sessions, comments, thoughts and action lists. Also for grading and setting follow up acitivities/new activities within courses.