M-Learning Simon Fitzpatrick. …use of mobile and handheld IT devices, such as PDAs, mobile phones, laptops and tablet PCs, in teaching and learning. BECTA.

Presentation on theme: "M-Learning Simon Fitzpatrick. …use of mobile and handheld IT devices, such as PDAs, mobile phones, laptops and tablet PCs, in teaching and learning. BECTA."— Presentation transcript:

1 M-Learning Simon Fitzpatrick

2 …use of mobile and handheld IT devices, such as PDAs, mobile phones, laptops and tablet PCs, in teaching and learning. BECTA Location-independent –Built-in power source (e.g. batteries) –Connectivity via wireless, telephony, infra-red… Some definitions also include: –Reading books, listening to tapes on a train… Wireless networking –Using radio, satellite or mobile technologies, rather than cabling

3 Portable computers –Laptops Full desktop functionality How mobile are they? –Tablet PCs Desktop-like functionality with dedicated software Input via keyboard, pen or voice- controlled Less bulky than laptops

4 Handheld computers/PDAs Driven by a pen (keyboards available) Lightweight and portable Slimmed down OS and custom applications Hot syncing of files with PCs Internet access via SIM Card

5 Other devices Mobile phone: SMS, cameras, Internet Personal Media Players (PMP): Audio/video storage and playback, Bluetooth, podcasting Digital cameras and camcorders Voting systems Digital pens Peripheral devices such as printers, scanners…

6 Mobile Communication Messaging via SMS (text) or MMS (multimedia) Instant messaging and chat RSS (Rich Site Summary/Really Simple Syndication)

7 Benefits: –Improved access –Increase learner motivation –New ways of doing things

8 Other areas of interest: Recording achievement (RARPA) Administrative uses –News and announcements –Contacting learners –Marketing and publicity –Anything else?....

9 Examples Cornwall Art Online: virtual art gallery Peterborough College of Adult Education: Talking Sticks South Gloucs ACL: digital photography to record achievement Chesterfield College: visual diaries Buckinghamshire: PDAs with hard-to-reach groups Plymouth: Using Qwizdom voting system

10 But… Do people really want to use mobile devices for learning? Current limitations of devices Security and Privacy Copyright and IPR

11 In summary: –Considerable interest in m-Learning –Latest fad or next big thing? –Variety of devices available –Volatile area –Mobile learning has great potential: –Range of new challenges to be met

12 Portability Screen size and quality Connectivity, speed and cost of use Operating system and applications Ease of use (interface/input devices) Issues to consider when choosing devices: Formats and media supported Cost (of devices and of using them) Battery life Storage and memory capacity Interoperability with other devices Others?.......

13 Conclusions…