Putting the m- in Front of Learning at the “Politehnica” University in Timisoara

1. Putting the m- in Front of Learning at the “Politehnica” University in Timisoara Iasmina Ermalai Marian Bucos Mihai Onita Radu Vasiu

2. Introduction • Mobile devices – the latest trend in education • Overview • The meaning of e-Learning • A few examples of already implemented systems • Future directions at the “Politehnica” University in Timisoara

3. Why m-Learning?! • e-Learning: • Learning through the use of devices based on computer and communications technologies (personal computers, CD-ROMs, PDAs and Mobile Phones) • Distance learning • Flexible learning

4. Why m-Learning?! • m-Learning (Mobile Learning): • Special branch of e-Learning • The learning content is delivered on mobile devices (mobile phones, PDAs, iPODs)

5. Why m-Learning?! • Benefits: • Mobility: - anytime anywhere learning - absolute freedom for the learner over the learning material - no need for alternative ways of connecting to the Internet • More user-orientated than e-Learning: - it aims specific kinds of users and thus knowledge

6. Why m-Learning?! • Challenges: • Technological: • the limitations of different mobile devices: screen size, memory size, operational system, software, and the information transfer speed at different wireless technologies • the development and the testing of the system - on mobile devices • Pedagogical

7. Different approaches to mobile learning around the world • Projects using mobile devices in various learning environments started to appear in 2001 • Examined areas: foreign language vocabulary lessons, scheduling, study prompts and reminders via mobile phones • Mobile devices used: mobile phones, PDAs, iPODs

8. Different approaches to mobile learning around the world • One of the first projects using mobile phones in language learning - developed by the Stanford Learning Lab • Spanish study programs: vocabulary practice, quizzes, word and phrase translations, and access to live talking tutors • Conclusions: mobile phones - effective for quiz delivery if delivered in small chunks

9. Customizing content for mobile devices at the “Politehnica” University in Timisoara • CSID - distance learning program • Existing platform

10. Customizing content for mobile devices at the “Politehnica” University in Timisoara • So far students can: check their schedule, set meetings with tutors, follow their curricula and their grades, see their colleagues’ information, post and read messages, use wiki and blog. • Shortcomings: the necessity of a computer and an Internet connection

11. Customizing content for mobile devices at the “Politehnica” University in Timisoara • Future improvements: • Use the existing platform and make it accessible from mobile devices • Implement a software which will give students the possibility to check or download their schedule and have access to the news area from their PDA or mobile phone • Integrate this software into the CSID platform

12. Conclusions and further work • Take into consideration the technological and the pedagogical point of view • Above all, think about the beneficiary of the system, the Learner • Not everything can and should “go mobile”: • ok for small chunks of information, for having access to news and personal calendar • not ok for large amounts of information, and courses that in fact need more than a mobile phone

13. Conclusions and further work • Future plans • Decide which parts can have a mobile development • Implement them • Test the learners reaction (using a feedback questionnaire implemented for mobile devices) • Draw conclusions regarding our work and future approaches to this matter

14. Thank you for your attention!