Towards true mobile learning

WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITYeducational support group

Towards true

mobile learning

Lisa Gommer

Wageningen University


The Netherlands


Wageningen

Amsterdam


Topics

Project background

Case studies (3)

Evaluation & conclusions

Future activities

Questions

• Geo-information

• Vegetation science

• Archeology


Project Background info (1)

Gipsy project (2002 – 2003) First steps in implementation of Mobile Learning Cooperation between three Universities: Amsterdam,

Wageningen & Nijmegen

Two year collaborative project, grant by SURF

foundation Joint development of course modules for internet and

wireless environments Educause 2003


Project Background info (2)

Follow-up: Manolo Project (2004 – 2005) VU Amsterdam en Wageningen University

Project Goals Integration of E-, W-, and M-Learning Improve ‘fit’ between educational goals and (wireless) learning

environment Represent knowledge & experiences in blueprints and best

practices


Case 1: Geo-InformationCourse description

Students work on different case studies

Topic: Geographical Information Systems

Real problems from real stakeholders

Multidisciplinary research teams

Case examples: Discovering the Roman Limes

PDA guided excursion for high school pupils


Indoors: ‘Wireless Office’

Outdoors: PDA and GPS available

Training & Support: Introduction on PDA and GPS

Helpdesk

Course website (manuals)

Case 1: Geo-InformationWireless Components


Wireless Office

WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITYeducational support group Introduction

PDA & GPS


Lots of

equipment


Excellent

technical

support


Case 1: Geo-Information Problems & Successes

Tablets mainly used in start-up phase Introduction assignment was essential Enthusiasm about new technology Excellent support contributed to success


Motivated helpdesk


Frustrated

helpdesk


Real problems

Real clients


Case 1: Geo-Information More information

Course website (in English):

www.geo-informatie.nl/courses/yes60504


Case 2: Vegetation ScienceCourse description

Goal: Developing a research plan about

vegetation and ecosystems ecology.

Literature research on vegetation composition

Excursion to Terschelling

Data collection on vegetation species Pen and paper Transfer to laptop by hand

Analysis and reflection back home Presentation


Case 2: Vegetation Science Wireless Components

PDA for data collection

PocketVeg for plant determination

Group communication

Tablet for uploading and processing data

Training & Support

Introduction exercise in Wageningen

Remote support


Case 2: Vegetation Science Problems

No full GPRS coverage on the island

No communication possible

Logistic problems (equipment)

More manuals and local support


Quick start due to introduction exercise Students enthusiastic about practical advantage Practical value leads to educational value Continuation & expansion of experiment next

year

Case 2: Vegetation Science

Successes


Data collection

WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITYeducational support groupUpload &

Analysis

WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITYeducational support groupReflection &

Fine-tuning


Case 3: ArcheologyCourse description

Archeological fieldwork in Apulia, Italy Field surveys:

Learn more about ancient Greek societies Search for fragments of ancient artifacts Registration of density Marking of measuring units using aerial photographs Paper registration of findings Back home: Digitizing and analysis of data

WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITYeducational support groupTransect Walking


Case 3: Archeology Wireless Components

PDA and GPS for: Orientation (positioning)

Mobile GIS (drawing of units)

Digital input of findings

Training & Support: Presentation

Written manuals

Local support


Orientation


WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITYeducational support groupData Input

WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITYeducational support groupComparison


Mobile Working Environment


Getting used to new method GPRS connection not available Application development time consuming

Case 3: Archeology

Problems


Practical value: No more tedious handwork Application performed well Simplifying the method take turns on

teamleader role More time for analysis

Case 3: Archeology Successes


Evaluation method

Pre and Post evaluation students Usage

Technique and support

Experiences

Attitude

Learning effect

Teacher interviews

Student panel


Evaluation resultsFamiliarity

70% have some experience with wireless

80% not familiar with PDA and Tablet pc

40% have their own laptop


Evaluation resultsUsage

Desktop is used most (80% often) Processing / analysis of data

Professional software available

Writing reports

Tablet PC used for cooperation (62%) Mainly used in start-up phase


Evaluation resultsAttitude & learning effect

Wireless useful in general - 90% 80%

Wireless useful in education - 75% 80%

Wireless interesting - 70% 75%

Wireless fun to work with - 75% 70%

Also in other courses - -- -- 65%

Easy to use - 50% 90%

Before After


Evaluation resultsAdvantages - Disadvantages

Advantages:

Practical value (less time, less errors)

Instructive experience

New challenge!

Disadvantages:

‘Hassle’ with equipment

Time consuming


Conclusions

New-effect More support needed (teachers!)

Technical imperfections

Success strongly depends on support level User instruction

Logistics

Helpdesk (problem solving)


Conclusions

Added value? Practical value

Student motivation

Educational value


Future activities

WIKI – helpdesk op afstand

Uitbreiding experimenten

True Mobile Learning?


Future activities

dokuWIKI – remote helpdesk

http://spinlab.vu.nl/dokuwiki

Expansion of experiments

Field connectivity: Can it really be done?

Involve students in course (re)design


Any Questions?

Contact: [email protected]

Documents

Towards true mobile learning