Using m-learning characteristics to transform MDDE 601

Introduction

MDDE601 is a core course of the Master’s Program that addresses key issues of distance education m-learning brings mobile interaction with content, course and fellow students ↓ course interface becomes mobile friendly ↓ versatile for learning on the go

Proposals

1) Incorporating BYOD. 2) Social Media used for MDDE 601 learning and teaching purposes (Facebook group, Twitter, Google+). 3) Multimedia Sharing (Skype, ooVoo, YouTube videos, Slideshare, Dropbox). 4) Calendars and Notifications (Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar, SMS).

Incorporating BYOD For Assignment #1 (critical review) - Journals provided should be in pdfs designed for mobile devices. Introduction to each unit could include a text-to- speech (Mayer’s Principle) convertible form. All you need is Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google pdf viewer and Voice Read Aloud. Start – Stop Anytime. Annotate. Highlight. Export.

Facebook-Twitter Create a private Facebook group where teams can have their own space for collaborative assignments. Discussion forums start with a weekly “tweet” used for brainstorming.

Multimedia Sharing  Skype-ooVoo used for collaborative activities.  YouTube Videos used for supplementary readings and resources.  Dropbox and Slideshare used for uploading sources found by students in the internet and for sharing presentations.

Multimedia sharing leads to: Enhancement of collaboration. Creating a sense of community (by addressing common problems). Self-regulation and autonomy over the learning content. Reflection through the creation of a course- evaluation video by each student at the end of the course of MDDE601 (helpful for the next students of the course).

Calendars and Notifications  Google Calendar-Outlook Calendar-SMS.  Notifications about upcoming assignments, adobe sessions and grades via SMS.  SMS particularly helpful for navigating new students into the learning environment of MDDE601.  Reduction of transactional distance (creates diverse learning contexts where the dialogue and communication is increased).  Increase of organizational skills and self-regulated learning. →

 Seamless connection with the Institution, course services, other students and teachers (Palalas, 2013).  Removes some of the formality (Attewell, 2005).  Reduces potential student dropout-keeps them organized: “helps young disconnected learners to remain more focused for longer periods” and “helps to raise self-confidence and self- esteem by recognizing uncelebrated skills” (Attewell, 2005, p. 2).

Theory behind the suggested changes Social Constructivist learning ↓ Comprehensive Learning Strategies. Co-operative learning creates cohesion. Learners control their learning (when and how). Prior knowledge of mobile devices is applied to MDDE601-mobiles used for educational purposes. Learning is promoted through active participation and communication between students.

Barriers and ways to address them  All these applications require the creation of various accounts. Multiple accounts- Multiple usernames-passwords. Solution: Through the AU account, the student can have access to MDDE601, Facebook account, Skype account, Dropbox, YouTube, Slideshare, and ooVoo.

 Lack of knowledge of LMS systems. Solution: Tutorials and demonstrations regarding the use of these workplaces might be necessary along with technical support.

 Constant Internet access.  Costly mobile phones. Solution: Two barriers difficult to be surmounted, commonly found in DE environment.

Conclusion

Proposed modifications make MDDE601 more mobile learning friendly and enhance learning on-the-go. Immediacy and accessibility in an anyway- anytime mode.

Some of the ID principles applied are:  The social constructivist learning model.  Creation of a community of learners and support (Personalized scaffolding and collaboration).  Flexibility to forge a personal path over the course.  Reduction of transactional distance.

We are expecting your feedback in the forum! Hope you’ve enjoyed our presentation! Antonios Iliou – Fani Sarli