Mobile learning - getting started
Why?
There are mLearning authoring tools out there, but for me, in order to understand better, I need to create some mLearning as a set of mobile web pages to understand and develop a better idea for good mLearning design. What can be applied on a mobile web page can also then be reused in an mLearning authoring tool. The errors and experience of creating web pages will help in understand any difference between classic web design and mobile web design, I hope this will also help in understanding the difference between classic pc learning and mobile learning.
Some considerations for using mobile learning - what to apply - learning environment (what physical conditions are present such as noise levels, distractions), time available to 'learn', buttons and frequency of buttons used allowing for easy mobile browsing through the learning, screen size etc
More considerations on the wiki
Background
The setting is a work-based construction site or premises (domestic or commercial) where furniture fitting is required. The learning will be primarily 'on the job' and target audience are carpenters, joiners or apprentices in both areas. A carpenter could be working at a workbench or often as part of a small team on-site.
Environmental factors for consideration (as above)
- High noise levels and vibrations generated by tools and their impact on multimedia
- Time available to 'learn' when working to short timescales
- Hands-free e.g having an expert 'talking over your shoulder' or giving you the information when you need to do something practical, the need and frequency of clicking buttons vs voice-based commands
- Attention to screen e.g if you are using a manual or power tool, is it realistic to be able to glance at a screen whilst you are using the tool
A note about mobile learning theory
Before thinking about devices,it is essential to consider how individuals are learning and how it is taking place, which is the same practice for desktop or classroom-based learning. Is it behavourial, cognitive, constructive, learning syles-based, mashup of all or some of these or is mobile learning different ?
Diana Laurillard considers pedagogical forms for mobile learning and mentions "the physical environment in which the learner is placed, and hence the 'digitally-facilitated site-specific' learning experience that is now possible with mobile technologies, that was not possible with a desktop and landline."
This seems applicable in this case. Diana also mentions an informal conversational framework on page160 where the learner defines their own task goal/s. Some aspects may apply here e.g is there one correct way to hold and use a tool? If so how does this affect how the learning takes place, can it be learnt informally, at the point of need?
Objectives
For an initial experiment the situation is that a carpenter or trainee will be required to create pieces of wood of varying lengths to create wardrobe for example.The wood at a factory may already come in a range of pre-cut sizes which means that the carpenter will be required to work out sizes specific to the furniture 'job' they are required to build. Reference material related to the sizes would be useful.
This will help to:
Identify common measurements of thickness of different types of wood
Reduce time required to calculate wood thicknesses
Reduce saw time required
Can the mobile web be used to create this learning?
It could also be available as a mobile document such as a PDF but it will need to be easily updatable so a web or wiki format initially seems appropriate.
Mobile internet acccess in remote or rural locations such as on large country estates, this will vary by network operator although this could be tested prior to release
Cost of using mobile internet live as opposed to looking at a pre-downloaded application or document
Voice web as well as visual web? This could be available as audio but it is expected that a larger proportion of the target audience would find it more helpful as a visual guide.
Wireframes
to follow shortly, to include navigation, links and space possibilities
Devices
Which ones would be appropriate for these. Even though looking at mobile web primarily (and ensuring backwards compatibility), based on objectives, is there anything that could be used on older models such as SMS or similar
References
Pedagogical forms for mobile learning: framing research questions Diana Laurillard, London Knowledge Lab Institute of Education, London Mobile learning - towards a research agenda, Institute of Education, University of London http://www.wlecentre.ac.uk/cms/files/occasionalpapers/mobilelearning_pachler2007.pdf
