eLearning 2006 Day 5

Julie Collareda

Day five - mLearning

DefinitionUse of mobile phones and

personal digital assistants (PDA) Examples

mLearning

DefinitionmLearning is the acquisition of any knowledge

and skill through using mobile technology,

anywhere, anytime, that results in an

alteration in behaviour.

(Geddes 2004)

mLearning and EducationMobile learning means the provision of

education and training courses on wireless

devices: PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants),

palmtops and mobile telephones

Wired virtual learning environment of today

Wireless learning environment of to-morrow

An example of the trends applied to an mLearning solution

Variety of m-Learning possibilities…

audible texts and MP3s e-textbooks and encyclopedias other innovative formats such as

simulations, streaming video clinical data collection access to Learning Management Systems

m-Learning: PDAsThe handheld personal digital assistant (PDA) is one m-Learning tool that is increasing in use: PortableVersatile Relatively low cost ($200)Provides on-demand access to education

resources

m-Learning: PDAS Many colleges and universities (USA) have

incorporated PDAs into their teaching, curriculum and student resources… Text messagingPod-castingData collection

Educational Applications of PDAs

students taking courses online “idle time” while commuting, during

lunch breaks, at the airport, deployed and other situations without computer access

Assessment

Make optimal use of mLearning:

Portability (learning anytime/anywhere) Location (e.g real-time video of workplace) Wearability (expert in your pocket) Networked communication (coached

collaborative learning) Personalisation (photo, audio, SMS) Blended learning (+classroom, e-learning)

Examples

MLearning Consortium Journal on mLearning What is mLearning? An Apple for the teacher

Day five – Summary mLearning

DefinitionUse of mobile phones and

personal digital assistants (PDA) Examples