Utility or Futility? Marguerite Koole Dr. Mohamed Ally

Introduction Purpose Background Theory Methodology Results & discussion Conclusion

Purpose  Preliminary exploration of controls and constraints of mobile learning ◦ Perceived usefulness  Attitudes ◦ Potential impact  Study patterns  Social effects  Pedagogical effects ◦ Usability

Background Conducted at a post-secondary, distance-education institution in Canada Master of Education students Moodle LMS MobiGlam University of Glamorgan Cellular or WiFi devices

Theory The Frame model (Koole, 2006)

Theory Transactional Control Theory (TC) Dron, 2007 Based on Transactional Distance Theory (TD) The more structure, the less the freedom of choice The more structure, the less the dialogue The more autonomous the learner, the less need for structure and dialogue TC theory The learner must adapt to aspects in the environment that potentially constrain his/her choices.

Methodology  Phase 1 ◦ 4 respondents (26-56 years) ◦ Pilot software, training materials, questionnaires  Phase 2 ◦ 16 respondents (26-56 years)  12 = high computing skills  3 = advanced computing skills  1 = low computing skills  Weekly activities  Pre- and post-questionnaires ◦ Based on FRAME model

Results: Interaction Learning Frequency of interaction per week ActivityMoodleMobile Check news Check Forums Access static information2.94N/A Contact other students Contact instructor(s) Average (Scale: 0 = 0 times, 1 = once, 2= twice, 3 = 3 times, and 4 = 4 or more times)

Comments: Interaction Learning Current frequency of interaction is fairly low, yet learners report feel very “connected” Mobile would not increase their sense of “connectedness”

Results: Social Technology Flexibity & networking OpinionsMoodleMobile Importance of flexible access Satisfaction with network connection N/A2.0 Average (Scale: 0 = not at all, 1 = not very, 2= neutral, 3 = somewhat, and 4 = very)

Comments: Social Technology Rated need for flexible access to LMS high Rated need for flexible mobile access low Respondents recognize that mobile access is advantageous for travellers

Results: Device Usability Device usability ratings OpinionsMoodleMobile Satisfied with Moodle / mobile device Easy to navigate Easy to learn Average Opinions Satisfied with input1.63 Satisfied with output1.63 (Scale: 0 = not at all, 1 = not very, 2= neutral, 3 = somewhat, and 4 = very)

Comments: Device Usability One learner felt that mobile access was only useful for checking on activity, but would not encourage “learning” Others felt mobile access was intrusive Low understanding of technology Training was not effective

Results: Study Patterns & Attitudes Control, organization & preferences OpinionsMoodleMobile Sense of control Sense of being organized “Like” to study online / mobile Average (Scale: 0 = not at all, 1 = not very, 2= neutral, 3 = somewhat, and 4 = very)

Comments: Study Patterns & Attitudes remained preferred method of communication Ratings low, but comments indicated that they would adapt Possible correlation with demographics

Respondents’ Recommendations University-wide implementation of mobile technology RecommendationsYesNoMaybe Offer SMS service540 Provide mobile access to courses 522

Conclusion Control-constraint-need threshold had not been met in this trial = motivation to use or adapt remained low

Thank you Questions? Marguerite Koole Dr. Mohamed Ally