What can we learn from a WoLF? Mobile learning lessons from a HE in FE project By Dr Samuel Nikoi & Dr Palitha Edirisingha (Beyond Distance Research Alliance – University of Leicester)

WoLF Background JISC funded collaborative research project between Leicester College & University of Leicester. Role of Leicester College Recruit Teaching Assistants Learning Technologist & Tutor Role of University of Leicester Research From March December 2008.

Project Objectives To investigate how Pocket PCs can support portfolio development by Teaching Assistants on foundation degree programme in education at the University of Leicester. To develop: A pedagogical model and proof of concept Resources for practitioners for designing reflective learning Exemplar and user cases highlighting student experiences Guidelines for integrating pocket PCs institutional VLEs

PDA and Keyboard The PDA Induction Session PDA & INDUCTION SESSION Induction Process

Research Design Research Approach Ethnographic action research Data Gathering 20 TAs in first, second and third year study groups. One-to-one Interviews Classroom Observation Focus Group Discussion Activities on project moodle Data Analysis Qualitative data analysis using cognitive mapping

Benefits – Learning Activities Personalisation Evidence for assignments Reflection Memory aid Output from a science lesson Individual reflective journal on Moodle “For the science assignment I used the PDA for voice recording and for videoing…I used the PDA for literacy assignment as well” (1 st Year TA).

Benefits – Knowledge Management Gathering & Sharing Resources: Text/Audio visuals Socialisation Communities of Practice Synchronous E-Tutorial with Tutor Output from a Science lesson on magnets “on the moodle site it is there for everyone to see, its there to share with everyone. If colleagues are having the same problems learning technologist will not have to answer the same questions”. 1 st yr TA.

Issues: Technical & Quality Synchronizing PDAs with home computers Uploading evidence unto VLE Wireless connectivity Poor quality images / recordings “PDA will be great as a learning device especially if you had access to wireless internet in the school”. 3 rd yr TA. “the recording… Its difficult to listen. Its quite hard in my experience. It actually makes it more of tasks”.1 st yr TA.

Issues – Learning conditions Space ownership & management Ethical considerations Access to specialist equipment Insurance cost “I am not allowed to take pictures of any of my children because of the nature of my work.” (2 year TA). “We’ve already got facilities in our schools” (1 st year TA).

Issue - Learner support Induction: one off vrs progressive Type of Support: Reactive, Proactive, Interactive Sources of Support: Formal – Teacher, Learning technologist, IT officers. Informal – Peers, Close friends, family members. When doing my portfolio always make sure that I have the piece of feedback I front of me” “My children are my teacher” (2 year TA).

Lessons Learnt Framing of context Structuring learning activities Ownership of equipment Space management Learning support Integration Standards

Project Partners Beyond Distance Research Alliance University of Leicester Prof. Gilly Salmon Dr Palitha Edirisingha Dr Samuel Nikoi Leicester College Paul Chapman Lucy Stone Kirsty Lewis Chris Battisson JISC FE in HE Programme Lisa Gray

Learning Futures Conference 2009

Conclusion Questions And Contributions