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Research Centre for Technology Enhanced Learning
Mobile Learning
LSDA/LSN have been pioneers in researching the potential of mobile devices for teaching and learning.
The m-learning project
From 2001 to 2004 we led the EU 5th framework collaborative research and development programme m-learning. m-Learning experimented with the very latest mobile technologies, developed m-learning materials and systems and explored the potential of m-learning to reach out to some of the hardest to reach and most disadvantaged young people. For more details of the project including partner information and learning materials demonstrations see our archieved website:
www.m-learning.org/archive
Our m-learning publications:
Games technologies for learning: more than just toys
The Games Technologies for Learning report explores the ways in which games technologies can be used to enhance teaching and learning, and provides advice for schools and colleges wishing to introduce such technologies.
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The impact of mobile learning: Examining what it means for teaching and learning
Phase one of MoLeNET (2007/08) involved 75 colleges and 18 schools, approximately 10,000 learners and 2,000 staff, in 32mobile learning projects. The Learning and Skills Council provided funding for handheld technologies and supporting infrastructure. The LSN MoLeNET Support programme provided advice and guidance; systems and materials; face-to-face, on-line and on-site training and continuing professional development; on-line support including peer-to-peer support and knowledge and resource sharing. LSN research, and LSN supported practitioner-led action research, explored the impact of introducing mobile learning on learner retention and achievement, teaching and learning, learner experiences and participating institutions. The findings of the research are described in this publication.
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Go Mobile! Maximising the potential of mobile technologies for learners with disabilities
Across the sectors, practitioners are dealing with increasingly diverse learner needs, but there are limits to how effectively traditional teaching and learning methods can engage, support and stretch learners who have markedly different starting points and accessibility needs. Mobile learning offers some innovative and effective ways of tackling this challenge, but is still perceived by many as a niche area reserved for those with advanced technical skills. When mobile technologies have made their way into learning and teaching, it is often assumed that their benefits do not extend to learners with disabilities. But is that true? In what ways might learners benefit from working with mobile technologies? What are the problems and where are the quick wins? Drawing on the experiences of those working in the vanguard of mobile learning and inclusivity in independent specialist colleges and further and higher education institutions, GoMobile! Maximising the potential of mobile technologies for learners with disabilities passes on some of the lessons learnt to make mobile learning a more achievable aim for those working with learners with disabilities. Drawing on outcomes emerging from initiatives such as the Learning and Skills Council's MoLeNET and Learning for Living and Work (L4LW) programmes, and the Higher Education Assistive Technologies (HEAT) scheme administered by the JISCTechDis , GoMobile! explores how mobile technologies can make day-to-day living and learning more manageable, enjoyable and achievable for learners who face a range of challenges when learning.
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Mobile learning in practice:
Piloting
a mobile learning teachers' toolkit in further education colleges
UK college tutors taking part in the Mobile Learning Teachers' Toolkit project authored their own mobile learning materials (SMS quizzes, PDA learning games and mediaBoard activities) to cater for the specific needs of their students in their particular context. This publication reports on the impact of these mobile learning activities on teaching, learning and students' interest in learning and on how tutors integrated mobile learning into the curriculum. The challenges of setting up the project and some lessons learned are also discussed. Examples of the learning materials created and tips for using these tools with students are included to inform teachers who may be considering mobile learning for their students.
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Mobile technologies and learning: a technology update and m-learning project summary
The use of mobile technologies to support, enhance and improve access to learning is a relatively new idea and while many teenagers and twenty-somethings are expert mobile phone users many educators are not. This publication provides a quick, plain English introduction to mobile phone technology and summarises the work and findings of the m-learning research and development project. This project investigated the potential of mobile devices for taking learning to young adults with literacy and/or numeracy difficulties.
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Mobile learning anytime everywhere
The third annual international mobile learning conference MLEARN 2004 was organised by the MOBIlearn and m-learning projects. The main of the conference was to bring together people interested in developing opportunities, systems and content for learning with mobile and wireless devices and networks as well as researchers and educationalists with an interest in mobile learning. The interesting and varied papers in this edited book are based on presentations given at MLEARN2004 and they provide a flavour of current achievements and work-in-progress in the field of mobile learning. Please be aware that this document has a file size of 2.9 MB and would take a considerable amount of time to download on a dial up connection!
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Learning with mobile devices : research and development - a book of papers
The authors who have contributed articles to this book are researchers, developers and practitioners in both educational and commercial organisations from a number of different countries. They all have in common an interest in the new and quickly evolving field of mobile learning. The papers are based on presentations given at MLEARN 2003, which was hosted by LSDA in London in May 2003.
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The use of palmtop computers for learning - A review of the literature
This research report is the result of a literature review conducted by LSDA during the m-learning project. The focus is on research involving the use of palmtop computers for learning. We carried out this review to inform the design and development of mobile learning materials and systems within the project. However the report highlights many interesting pedagogic and technical issues, which makes it a useful reference for teachers, trainers, developers, researchers and others interested in m-learning.
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Our survey of the use of mobile phones by young adults in the UK
During the first phase of the m-learning project we carried out a survey of young adult mobile phone users in 7 UK cities. We sought answers the following questions:
- How do young adults use their mobile phones?
- What might be the future take-up of new services and facilities on mobile phones and other technology devices?
- Are mobile phones likely to be used beyond a short-term fad?
- Would young adults be interested in using a game on their phones for basic skills learning in English and Maths?
Some key findings from the survey were published in LSDA’s Briefing magazine in February 2003