At Ashton Sixth Form College

AIMS To improve achievement across a range of courses To explore how mobile technology can improve teaching and learning To improve basic numeracy and literacy and engagement of Level 1 students To help learners with specific learning difficulties organise their time and their learning

Equipment XDA Flint Palm Treo Pro Nintendo DS XDA Mantle iPhone iPod Nano iPod Touch Flip Camera Olympus Voice Recorder

£150,000 – Devices – Wi-fi – Device management software Partnership with O2 Students were given long-term loan of the devices except Mantle and DS

Research Results Improved student attendance in lesson where devices were given Improved achievement in Level 1 classes – Last year Literacy and Numeracy were at 60% – This year both are at 100% Improved engagement in lessons – Functional Skills – students were more engaged and enjoyed using the devices – Level 1 – EAL students contributed to lessons more after the introduction of the devices

Group one Group two Group three Average Visual short term memory score at start Average Visual short term memory score at midway point Average Visual short term memory score at End point DIFFERENCE at END point Average Verbal short term memory score at start Average Verbal short term memory score at midway point Average Verbal short term memory score at End point DIFFERENCE at END point TOTAL OVERALL IMPROVEMENT

Student Comments It has helped me with my memory and it was very useful. It presented the logical tasks like games which made me feel more comfortable. I have got better at concentrating

Lessons Learned Things go wrong – Personnel – Suppliers – Students The simplest project works best Don’t underestimate the enthusiasm of staff and students It is hard work to complete a project Research Assistant and Project Manager need time to complete their tasks