mLearning Pilot Project

iTunes U at F&MmLearning Pilot Project
Teaching • Learning • Research
Access • Communication • Collaboration

Goal:
From May 2009 through May 2010, participants will explore the use of mobile devices - in this case the Apple iPod Touch - to support teaching, learning, and research at the College.

Sponsors:
The Committee on Academic Technology (CAT)
Information Technology Services


Background:
Mobile learning, or mLearning, in this instance means learning that takes advantage of learning opportunities offered by portable technologies. The term covers: learning with portable technologies, where the focus is on the technology (which could be in a fixed location, such as a classroom); learning across contexts, where the focus is on the mobility of the learner, interacting with portable or fixed technology; and learning in a mobile society, with a focus on how society and its institutions can accommodate and support the learning of an increasingly mobile population.

mLearning is already having an impact on education and this trend is expected to continue. High school and college students already have mobile access, not just with media players, but also with mobile devices and portable computers. Many of our students come to campus with the Internet in their pockets. Over 300 members of the Class of 2012 received an iPod Touch when they purchased an Apple Macintosh computer last year. In a Fall 2008 F&M student technology survey, 93% of respondents reported owning a cell phone and 37% had a web-enabled mobile device (e.g.; iPhone, iPod Touch, or other web-capable cell phone).

Participation:
Full-time, tenured and tenure-track faculty are invited to apply to participate. Participants will be selected on the basis of (1) innovative ideas for exploring uses of the devices and (2) an attempt to assemble a heterogeneous mix from interested members across the Faculty. Faculty who already own an iPhone or an iPod Touch are also encouraged to apply to participate.

Participating faculty agree to be engaged in the project for 12 months by experimenting with the devices and their applications in varies degrees in and out of the classroom in support of the business of the faculty member - teaching, research, and service.

Participating faculty will meet along with project support individuals according to the following schedule:

  • Two, half-day meetings in May to kick-off the program, pick up the devices, and receive initial training
  • Three times - from 4:30- 6 PM - during both the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 semesters
  • One day “wrap-up” meeting in May 2010 to discuss and demonstrate projects and discuss outcomes

Each faculty participant will be partnered with a professional staff liaison to offer “contextualized” support for the duration of the project. Additionally, a group project blog/wiki will allow participants and project support staff to communicate virtually by asking questions, posting ideas and experiences, and sharing access to related online resources.

At the end of the project, participating faculty will retain the use of the iPod Touch. Support for any computer software and/or peripheral funded through this initiative will fall to the requesting faculty member. Additional training, maintenance, or other support issues are assumed by the requesting faculty member. Future versions of software or replacement for damaged or broken devices and/or accessories will not be covered by the College.

Outcomes:
The CAT and ITS will learn the following:

  • the extent to which there is potential for supporting mobile devices at the College
  • the costs/benefits of supporting mobile devices at the College
  • the degree to which ITS should be planning to support access to College information formatted for mobile devices

Sample Applications:

  • Mobile Content Delivery - Blackboard Learn
  • Podcasting, coursecasting
  • Audio recording and feedback for papers - language practice, interviews
  • Practice exercises for study and review
  • Surveys and quizzes (“clickers”)
  • Social networking tools
  • Lightweight, all-in-one media source/projector

Related Projects:

Additional Resources:

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