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Harris Wang School of Computing and information Systems Athabasca University Canada

Implement and deploy mobile learning at open universities -- The big promise and many challenges ahead. Harris Wang School of Computing and information Systems Athabasca University Canada. Outline of the presentation. Mobile learning at Open Universities Frameworks for mobile learning

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Harris Wang School of Computing and information Systems Athabasca University Canada

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  1. Implement and deploy mobile learning at open universities--The big promise and many challenges ahead Harris Wang School of Computing and information Systems Athabasca University Canada

  2. Outline of the presentation • Mobile learning at Open Universities • Frameworks for mobile learning • Learning management system for mobile learning • Server design • Learning objects for m-learn • The many challenges for m-learn • The big promise and possible solutions • Concluding remarks

  3. Mobile learning at Open Universities • What is open university? • Adult students with different background • Part time study • Distance learning, or online learning • On the move

  4. Mobile learning at Open Universities • What is mobile learning • E-learning on mobile devices • Advances in mobile devices • Advances in e-learning technology • Distance learning becomes more creditable and acceptable • Thus, mobile learning would be an ideal way of learning for students at open universities

  5. Frameworks for mobile learning • Two modes: • Standalone mode • networked mode • In most cases, it is hybrid mode – online only when it is necessary due to cost and bandwidth of data communication on mobile networks

  6. Frameworks for mobile learning • Components of framework for mobile learning: • Mobile devices • Learning materials available for various mobile devices • Networked servers • Wireless networks connecting mobile devices and servers • Host computers at homes or offices • LO development servers

  7. 1. Standalone mode for m-learn Server for m-learn Host at home or office Internet LO LO LO USB Mobile device LO Development Server Carry away Learn anywhere anytime Frameworks for mobile learning

  8. 2. Networked mode for m-learn Server for m-learn Wireless Internet Access LO LO LO Mobile devices LO Development Server Learn anywhere anytime with networked mobile device on hand Frameworks for mobile learning

  9. Learning management system for mobile learning • An LMS can be divided into two oor three portions: client portion, server and/or portion • An LMS for m-learn should have most functionalities implemented on the server or host • The portion on mobile devices may be only an interface and data collector

  10. Server design • Functions implemented on the server • Mobile devices detection • Server side portion of m-LMS • Automatically generating/selecting learning objects for specific mobile devices • Automatically generating personalized learning objects for individual specific learners

  11. Learning objects for m-learn • Problems we may have with learning objects for m-learn • Images and diagrams – too big for the data network, too large for the small display • HTML tables may not fit in a small display, and are not resizable or content is hard to read • Big trunk of text – it may be hard to read through on a small display

  12. Learning objects for m-learn • What learning objects are appropriate for m-learn • Concise notes with condensed info or summary • Simulations to illustrate a particular concept, principle or theory • Games that can help learners to learn

  13. The many challenges for m-learn • Limited processing power of mobile devices • Small size screen • Low network bandwidth • High cost of subscription of wireless data network • High cost of developing quality learning objects for mobile devices

  14. The big promise and possible solutions • What is the big promise? • To realize the dream of learning anywhere anytime • What are the solutions for realizing the dream? • Develop and advance technologies for mobile learning: adaptive learning, intelligent system for mobile learning • Invest resources to develop learning objects for mobile learning: concise notes and summaries; simulations; games for mobile devices.

  15. Concluding remarks • Mobile learning will help open universities further realize their mandate: students can learn anywhere anytime • Mobile learning can only be part of the learning solution due to the limit of mobile devices and mobile networks • To make mobile learning more helpful and effective, we must overcome the many challenges.

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