Mobile Learner Supportpart of the Virtual Learning Environment Programme

Project Leader: Rhodri Thomas Rhodri.Thomas@open.ac.uk

Device-independent

• Working with what students have

• Classes of devices/behaviours

• Providing flexible options

Learner-centred

Optimised [web & PDF]

Self-contained[Flash & rich media]

Multi-platform/format[eBook, DAISY]

Alerts [Email, SMS]

RSS [Course News]

Podcasting [AV]

Practice-based FieldworkMessaging [Email,

IM/SMS]User-generated

content[Text & AV artefacts]

Sharing [ePortfolio, moblog]

MobileLearner

Mobile Collaboration:

Mobile ‘Channel’:Mobile Content:

Mobile web & services

mediated by tutorials and peer

support

Mobile ‘Channel’Podcasting

– Audiovisual expertise

– Use cases

– Blended approach

– Transcripts [SENDA]

Central alerts/notices– RSS feeds

– SMS text services

Mobile ‘Channel’Podcasting – learning from others [IMPALA]

– Profcasting: Weekly short updates/feedback integrated into VLE-based course

– Lecture summary, review key concepts, links forward, further reading– Topical & informal discussion of up to date issues. Includes experts, local

people etc.– Location specific information for field trips– Demo of software application– Museum artefacts support– Quick mini lecture for Reusability, Review, Revision– Guide to equipment using in the field– Challenging topics: development, student exploration– Digital story telling: develop reflective & active learning, based on field

trips– Documentary based on field trips– Collaboration & 1st yr skills development

Mobile ContentMobile web

– Optimised

Learning objects– Self-contained

– Reusable

Multi-format– Rich text eBooks

– DAISY Talking Books

Mobile CollaborationSocial

– Presence– Status updates– Instant Messaging

User-generated– Rich media capture– Sharing with peers

Location-based– GPS

mCollaboration

mChannelmContent

Mailings

CD/DVDOffline Moodle

Synchronised

collaboration

VLE courses

Synchronous & Async Comms

Online Services

MobileLearner

ConnectedLearner

OfflineLearner

WebsiteseAssessme

nt

Residentials

MaterialsExams

Interfacing with other learners

Synchronisation & Offline

‘Offline Moodle’– Providing local version of course content – Synchronising forums OU & Moodle feedback

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

Mobile Learner Support

Project Leader: Rhodri Thomas Rhodri.Thomas@open.ac.uk

http://conclave.open.ac.uk/mLearn/