The implications of mobile technologies in individual and collaborative learning

Adelina Moura (PhD Student)Ana Amélia Carvalho (Supervisor)

University of Minho – Braga, Portugaladelina8@gmail.comaac@iep.uminho.pt

PhD Thesis

Postgraduate Summer school

Iadis 2007

Lisbon

Objectives The main aim of this research is to

study the impact of mobile technologies (Smartphones and Tablets PCs) in the teaching and learning process.

The project focuses on the impact of mobile technologies in individual and collaborative learning.

Research Questions Which will be the implications of

mobile technologies in individual and collaborative learning?

The mobile technologies will be able to contribute to change student’s attitude to the curriculum matters and school?

Theorical framework The activity theory emerges as a potential

framework to unify theoretical perspective in Human Computer Interaction.

Activity theory helps to explain how social artifacts and social organization mediate social action (Bryant et al, 2005)

Some categories based on a model from cultural-historical activity theory (Engeström, 1987) will be used to analyze data.

Methodology (1) We intend to conduct a quasi-

experimental study; Two groups: - the experimental group - the control group During two terms In a secondary school

Methodology (2) The two groups will be compared

relatively: - to computer literacy - attitudes towards school and learning - knowledge test (pre-test and pos-test)

Methodology (3) The experimental group will use

technologies to learn, write and work individual and colaboratively

The control group will have traditional classes

At the end of the term they will do the pos-test (results will be compared)

Methodology (4) During the second term both group

will receive the same treatment with mobile technologies

At the end of the term they will do a knowlodge test and fill in the questionnaire of attitude

Instruments Questionnaire to caracterize student’s

computer literacy Questionnaire of student’s attitudes

(towards school and learning) Knowloage test (pre-test and pos-test) Questionnaire of student’s attitudes

(towards school and learning) – evolution (after treatment)

Conclusion The adoption of this new paradigm in

classroom will contribute to rethink education

Mobile learning gives the individuals the opportunity to choose when and where they want learn

This study constitues an important contribution to the renewal of education

Questions? Comments,...

Thank you!

adelina8@gmail.com