What can we learn from a WoLF? Mobile learning lessons from a HE in FE project

1. 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/

2. 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.

3. 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

4. The PDA PDA and Keyboard Induction Session Induction Session Induction Process PDA & INDUCTION SESSION

5. 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

6. Output from a science lesson Individual reflective journal on Moodle Benefits – Learning Activities • Personalisation • Evidence for assignments • Reflection • Memory aid “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).

7. Output from a Science lesson on magnets Synchronous E-Tutorial with Tutor Benefits – Knowledge Management • Gathering & Sharing • Resources: Text/Audio visuals • Socialisation • Communities of Practice “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.

8. 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.

9. 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).

10. 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).

11. Lessons Learnt • Framing of context • Structuring learning activities • Ownership of equipment • Space management • Learning support • Integration • Standards

12. 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/

13. Learning Futures Conference 2009

14. Conclusion Questions And Contributions