The ‘Double Life’ of an i-Pod Educational potential of new learning technologies Dr Palitha Edirisingha

‘Double life’ of technology (David Noble, 1984) ‘An important unofficial second function’ (David Bell, 2006) MP3 players … from a peripheral technology  core technology

The research project A pilot study: UoL engineering module A pilot study: UoL engineering module Four universities: Leicester, Kingston, London, Gloucestershire Four universities: Leicester, Kingston, London, Gloucestershire Disciplines: engineering, genetics, physics, chemistry, sociology, human geography, physical geography, veterinary sciences, … Disciplines: engineering, genetics, physics, chemistry, sociology, human geography, physical geography, veterinary sciences, …

Informal Mobile Podcasting And Learning Adaptation

students’ learning How does students’ learning supported by podcasting differ from their learning through structured campus or e-learning processes? Research questions pedagogical applications informal use What kinds of quality pedagogical applications can be developed for podcasting through MP3 players for students’ informal use within formal HE modules to enhance their learning? barriers advantagesinformal learning What are the psychological, social and institutional barriers to and advantages of more informal learning using podcasting? Can students switch from using MP3 players for e ee entertainment to learning?

New tools to support learning New tools to support learning Specific needs and cognitive abilities of diverse learners Specific needs and cognitive abilities of diverse learners Situated and authentic learning experiences Situated and authentic learning experiences Personalised learning Personalised learning (Sharples, 2001; Kukulska-Hulme & Traxler, 2005;JISC, 2005; Taylor et al, forthcoming; Sariola & Rionka, 2003; Plant, 2001) Cognition through clarity of instructions Cognition through clarity of instructions Emotional aspects Emotional aspects immediacy and connection immediacy and connection Sense of online community, satisfaction Sense of online community, satisfaction (Durbridge, 1984; Bates, 1981; Laaser, 1986; Power, 1990) Literature …

Research methodology 12 Weeks Initial question’e Final question’e Student focus groups Student personal interviews Staff interviews phone conversations, s,

Access to technology Not a limiting factor Not a limiting factor One or more devices with MP3 playback One or more devices with MP3 playback –Dedicated MP3 players –Mobile phones –Laptops –Desktops More …

Data KU UoL No of participants6649 No of participants6649 Average age (yrs)2119 Average age (yrs)2119 Females4715 Females4715 Males1932 Males1932 Gender not given 2 Gender not given 2 More on access to technology …

Pattern and location of listening Majority listen to 50% or more Majority listen to 50% or more Majority listen off the campus Majority listen off the campus

How podcasts helped learning -Good introduction to online learning material -Organise my weekly learning activities -To stay focused on the course -Bringing in a sense of informality to academic learning -Helped to manage time effectively - Helped to understand more about e-tivities -Helped to stimulate interest in the subject - Helped with assessed work

Learner? Purpose? Creator/contributor? Pedagogical applications: A framework to think about podcasts in teaching and learning

A framework to categorise podcasts in teaching and learning PurposeLearner UndergradsPostgrads Integrating core resources, e-tivities, assessm’t UoL Engineering Support field-work UoL, KU Geography Pre face-to-face prepar’n Post face-to-face support UoN, KU Geography Assessments KU English Conceptual development UoL Physics Current issues UoL Sociology Accessibility Motivational UoL Engineering Provide feedback UoL Engineering Feed forward UoL Engineering Listen again Logistical

Moving from entertainment to learning Distinguish between academic and entertainment material Distinguish between academic and entertainment material –Attention, focus, Different technologies to listen to academic materials and music Different technologies to listen to academic materials and music –Laptop as work-related Readiness … Readiness …

‘Domesticating’ a technology 1 st life: entertainment, business appropriation From shop to home, to the person objectification A space at home, in the person incorporation Finding a place into the routine of life conversion Display ownership and competence in a public culture, share music, … 2 nd Life: formal learning ???

Resources Resources

Learning Futures Conference University of Leicester, UK 9 th, 10 th January 2007 (near East Midlands, Birmingham and Luton Airports)