SOMA Service-Oriented Mobile learning Architecture Fabian Kromer Andreas Kuntner

SOMA A Framework for simple implementation of mobile learning applications on Next-Generation Smartphones or a Swahili word meaning „learn!“

What is SOMA? User Supplier Developer Plugins Course SOMA application 3

SOMA is … A framework for developers – Reducing implementation effort for using smartphone technologies – Gathering rich user response A mobile learning platform – Using modern technologies and intuitive controls – Presenting XML structured content on mobile devices – Connected to social networks A prototype for Google Android SDK – Including a proof-of-concept „multiple choice“ plugin 4

What is the Problem? State-of-the-art solutions are – mostly interrogator-responder based – repetitive – not exiting 5

The SOMA solution How may the use of a Service-Oriented Mobile Learning Architecture enhance the overall learning experience in mobile learning environments? Hypothesis 1. SOMA increases the learner’s motivation 2. SOMA improves the overall learning progress 6

The SOMA approach Focus on how content is conveyed Create a mobile platform for imparting knowledge Add community aspects Use latest mobile hard- and software Log user action for potential detection of learning styles (based on Sabine Graf’s PhD thesis) 7

What is state-of-the-art? Project mg-bl (mobile game-based learning) – EU funded project – Huge amount of resources – Usability tests KnowledgePulse (RSA micro learning) Moodle ( Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment) Linguamo (mobilefive) Sabine Graf’s approach on learning styles 8

Analysis of existing solutions Review of state-of-the-art e-learning solutions regarding – Available platforms – Connectivity – Input methods & devices – Graphical user interface – Analysis possibilities – Data structure – Content administration – Customization effort – Community – Scope  Show advantages and shortcomings 9

Methodological approach Conceptual / constructive: – Implementation of a prototypical framework for the presentation of e-learning content – Realization of an example e-learning course – Evaluation of experienced data through case study 10

Technical features XML based data storage Client - Server architecture Modular build –enables the integration of individual plugins Client –open source –can be enhanced using plugins Server –distribution of content and plugins –access control –Gateway to community platforms 11

SOMA modules 12

SOMA service supply Plugins have to –Present content –Execute exercises –Evaluate answer(s) SOMA provides access to –Hardware features –Screen (GUI) –Network –Community 13

SOMA architecture 14

Case study Realisation of a sample course –„Erste Hilfe e-Learning am Handy“ Children at the age of 8 to 16 Cooperation with the Youth Red Cross Klosterneuburg concerning: –Requirements –Content –Evaluation 15

Expected Results Report about acceptance of the application among children and teenagers regarding –Design –Handling –Intuitivity Evaluation of learning achievements 16

Schedule Time Requirements analysis Case study Android prototype State of the art research Framework design Technology research Where we are now Master thesis Effort 17