Looking Beyond the Whiz-bang Technology: Using Mobile Learning Technology to Improve Economic Instruction Steven C. Myers and Daniel A. Talley ASSA Annual Meetings Chicago, IL Jan. 7, 2007

Remember getting your first laptop after being used to a desktop? Do you now haul your laptop home and to class? –If so you are a mobile worker, teacher, or student. –But do you also haul along stacks of paper, a textbook or two and a few folders of notes or a large notebook, if not more? –Where is the paperless office?

Mobile Learning Technology Purpose: Describe the integration of computer technologies that enables the instructor to create a Mobile Learning Technology Environment. Claim: Mobile learning technology use will Yield improvements in student learning and engagement; Increase the Efficiency of Instructor Time Spent on Instruction.

What is a Mobile Learning Technology Environment? A Mobile Learning Technology Environment is: 1)Classroom Management and System Level Software + 2)Wireless Networking System + 3)Tablet PC (or another Mobile Computing Device)

Wireless Network Mobile devices (Tablet PCs) Course management and other system level software Figure 1: Three Key Components of a Mobile Learning Technology Environment

Course Management and System Level Support Allows instructional resources and course information to be made available over a campus computer network to students. Examples: WebCT, Blackboard, Virtual U Course Content: Announcements, syllabus, exam and assignment schedule, grade report, online quizzes, links to instructor- provided and Internet resources and other course support tools.

WebCT at DSU

The Wireless Network A wireless network is a network of wireless access points and hubs that connects the wireless layer with the wired backbone campus network. A wireless network is: Not actually an independent network; Adds no additional functionality other than wireless access to the campus network.

The Wireless Network Allows anywhere / anytime access to the campus network System of access points (routers and hubs) provides wireless coverage to: office spaces, classrooms, campus buildings and facilities, even campus green spaces Important: Permits Wireless Projection

Wireless Projection Configure classroom projectors so that a computer can project wirelessly. Instructors and students with wireless devices can install software and use. Advantages: Untethers the instructor from a fixed computer station Allows students to easily share work/presentation with class

Source: Wireless Network

The Mobile Device – Tablet PC Mobile computing devices are becoming commonplace and could include a range of devices (PDAs, etc.). Best Choice for Instruction Tablet PC Tablet PC is a computer that can function as a wireless laptop-- but has two key additional features.

Tablet PC Gateway M285 Pentium M 1.88 GHz 1 GB RAM XP Windows Tablet PC edition GB HD DVD writer Port replicator University installed software

Tablet PC Common Types Slate Hybrid Convertible Unique Features Form factor Digital Ink

Tablet PC Input Panel

Tablet PC Equation Writer

The Future of the Tablet PC

Mobile Learning Presentations Mobile learning technologies enhance presentations by allowing presenter to annotate simply and easily. Three most common presentation tools: Digital Ink PowerPoint Presentation Digital Ink Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) – Authors Choice Microsoft Journal SMART Notebook – Authors Choice Others?

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