Summary

Summary of this blog in English, made by Maike Gerken (thanks!).

Theme: What does mobile learning mean for education?
Participants: Researchers and instructional designers from different universities and institutes in the Netherlands
Location: Maastricht University, FHML
Date: 13 March 2012
Structure workshop: 3 discussion rounds on the following aspects of mobile learning

• Discussion round 1: what materials (apps) are available on the mobile platform and how do you select them?
• Discussion round 2: how can you use mobile learning in education?
• Discussion round 3: what about the technical, organizational and financial aspects of mobile learning?

Below you’ll find a summary of what has been discussed during the workshop!

Discussion round 1 What materials (apps) are available on the mobile platform and how do you select them (criteria)?

Available apps:
- eBooks (e.g. dictionary)
- calculation of different factors
- taking notes (logbook)
- sharing content of your study programme with others
- connection to online platform (e.g. Blackboard)
- sharing knowledge
- connect to others
Selection criteria for educational setting
- selecting apps depends on the context: individual learning, group learning, (authentic) learning environment
- First you need to determine your learning goal -> then decide if using an app is the right choice to reach your learning goal
- Selection can be based on knowledge domain
- Other criteria: validity? Reliable information? Is it meaningful to your audience?
- Sustainability of the apps?
- The functionality of an app should go beyond what a book can offer
- Apps should be easy to use
- Balance between apps that an institution/university offers and personal choice
- If you choose your own apps for individual learning, information sharing might be difficult
***Realize that it is a means of achieving a particular goal. However you need to keep up with the trend of mobile devices as they increasingly play an important role.***

Discussion round 2 How can you use mobile learning in education?

Questions that were asked: how can mobile learning support the learning process? Can mobile learning be an added value for education?
- mobile learning supports learning in the workplace, e.g. quick access to resources and information; reflection at the workplace; get immediate feedback on your portfolio
- mobile learning can serve as a link to informal learning
- added value to skills training in medical education: e.g. just-in-time information about the anatomy of a knee (augmented reality) or how a particular examination should be performed
- do we want students to use mobile apps during tutorials?
- A mobile app can enhance the learning experience, e.g. during an activity there is no time for reflection. With an app reflection can take place afterwards to keep the learning experience (-> research Karen Könings, FHML, project Learning&Working at Maastricht University)
In general, it is the connection of learning objectives and methods (where it is convenient to use a mobile device).
Mobile learning actually is a means that supports learning activities that would not be feasible otherwise.

Discussion round 3 What about the technical, organizational and financial aspects of mobile learning?

Aspects to consider:
- Who decides which apps will be used? Institution/University? Students? Teachers?
- Privacy issues?
- Who is responsible for the apps?
- Who will maintain the apps?
- The platform: Imposing a specific platform (iOS, Android) by an institution is not feasible, but you cannot fully support all platforms. For example, choose a first-class platform with full support and provide written manuals for other platforms.
- Availability of mobile devices: some programs give mobile devices to students, but usually it’s based on a bring-your-own-device basis.
- Network: Wifi is a prerequisite.
- Develop your own apps or mobile websites? Android or iOS or both?
- Important to have a platform where you can easily share apps
- Distinguish between mandatory and recommended apps / learning materials
- Data confidentiality must be protected; Safety is very important; Cloud is more secure than locally.
- Ensure that the institution has expertise about it: UB or IT department