Mobile Learner Support part of the Virtual Learning Environment Programme Project Leader: Rhodri Thomas

Device-independent Working with what students have Classes of devices/behaviours Providing flexible options

Task 1 – ‘Learning tools’ Discuss in pairs what aids you have to hand that enable you to complete a learning task – be it practical, informal, incidental or more concrete. If you have any technology with you, have a real look at what’s available – if you have a phone/device, take a look at the applications on- board.

camera video camera dictionary calculator thesaurus games books calendar art equipment music ‘tape’ recorder note-pad The classroom in your pocket

Learner-centred

Mobile ‘Channel’: Podcasting VLE iPodcast module

Podcast publicity KMi Podcast DirectoryKMi Podcast Directory  iTunes UiTunes U

Mobile Content Learning objects –Formative –Self-contained –Reusable Multi-format –Rich text eBooks –DAISY Talking Books –Flash / Java

Mobile Collaboration Social –Presence –Status updates –Instant Messaging User-generated –Rich media capture –Sharing with peers Location-based –GPS

Mobile blogging ‘moblog’ User-generated –Rich media & sharing | MediaBoard examples –Leeds Met HSC –Ashton Park schoolAshton Park school –IOE – Learning ExchangeIOE – Learning Exchange

Location-based activities Fieldwork & connecting groups Mapping media to a grid Adding GPS data: –Geotagging –Twitpic –Shozu –Google Earth/Maps [Science ERA project] [FELS Santiago residential]

Task 2 – ‘Learning while mobile’ Discuss in small groups what situations you or your students find yourselves in where access to learning resources might be helpful while on-the- move. Would access to certain online services be helpful, if so which?

Interfacing with other learners

Synchronisation & Offline ‘Offline Moodle’ –Providing local version of course content –Synchronising forums – allowing personal storage for future reference

Mobile Internet methods Text-only –No imagery –Basic styling –WAP-browsing (v1) Cut-down –Some imagery & styling –WAP-browsing (v2)  XHTML Resized –Content processed by server or client applications

Mobile Internet technologies Basic phones –Small screens used for menus ‘VGA’ devices –Higher resolution for multimedia Full screen –Apple iPhone/iPod touch –Nokia Internet Tablet ‘Zoom view’ –Apple iPhone/iPod Safari –Opera Mini/Mobile –Microsoft Deepfish [in development] –Google Android [in development]

Research & Development Emulation –Testing/Support –Staff development New user interfaces –Devices & environments –Embedding in systems Connectivity –Standalone vs. companion?

Future OU strategy Staff Development –Hands-on –Awareness-raising Mobile Learning activities –Face2Face – AL partners –Residentials OU-on-the-go? –Mobile access to services EPD

Follow-up Task – Opera Mini Try out your own phone web browser first, then compare by going to: Click to download There are 3 options [  Phone, PC or via SMS] ~120kB Try out these sites: wap.tfl.gov.ukwap.tfl.gov.uk or wap.nationalrail.co.ukwap.nationalrail.co.uk m.facebook.comm.facebook.com or m.flickr.comm.flickr.com bbc.co.uk/mobile library.open.ac.uk  More on Knowledge NetworkKnowledge Network See the difference between Opera ‘desktop’ and mobile views You can also use the emulator at:

Mobile Learner Support Project Leader: Rhodri Thomas