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)

http://moodle.lec.ac.uk/wolf/

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 2007 - 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 KeyboardThe PDA

Induction Session 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” (1st 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”. 1st 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”. 3rd yr TA.

“the recording… Its difficult to listen. Its quite hard in my experience. It actually makes it more of tasks”.1st 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” (1st 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

http://moodle.lec.ac.uk/wolf/

Learning Futures Conference 2009

Conclusion

Questions

And

Contributions