In the context of m-learning, the challenge to e-learning professionals is to be smart about how learning content is distributed via mobile devices.
Now read on...
I started this series of posts about using the iPhone - and by extension the multitude of Converged Media Devices (CMDs) - with the goal of understanding approaches to leveraging the rich potential of personal media players.
In the course of articles to date, I have looked at
- The implications of poor media player client support on mobile devices
- What is M-Learning?
- Learning theories applied to M-Learning
- Learning opportunities supported by CMDs
- Practical applications of M-Learning
Based upon the research that I have undertaken, I would assert that the iPhone (as it currently exists) is not an appropriate learning channel for converged multi-media delivery of instructional content as I stated here:
[A CMD like] the iPhone is not a powerful computer: it is a Web-enabled Portable Digital Assistant (PDA). I would suggest that in many consumers’ minds that to be able to surf the internet in a full-featured Safari browser on the iPhone means that it’s a “real” computer. Apple surely want to manage users’ expectations.
Yet, the device obviously has huge potential to delivery information, knowledge, and learning. The challenge to e-learning professionals is to be smart about how learning content is distributed via this channel - in a sense, where it fits in the learning value chain.
Figure 1. Parameters for learning channel selection
Given that mobile devices like the iPhone cannot deliver integrated, immersive learning deliver, I would suggest that the most practical approach to using these devices in an e-learning context is to use these devices as a learning platform, and to supply content based upon the precepts of a modified cloud computing model.
Learning Platforms
According to the UK Dept. of Education and Skills (DfES), a Learning Platform (LP) is
a generic term to describe a system of information and communication technologies that is used to deliver and support leaning.
We can say that while learning platforms can vary considerably, each should provide the following range of ICT-based functions:
- Content management - enabling teaching staff to create, store and repurpose resources and coursework which can be accessed online
- Curriculum mapping and planning - providing tools and storage to support assessment for learning, personalization, lesson planning etc.
- Learner engagement and administration - enabling access to pupil information, attendance, timetabling, e-portfolios and management information
- Tools and services - providing communication tools such as e-mail, messaging, discussion forums and blogs.
A learning platform brings together hardware, software and supporting services to enable more effective ways of working within and outside the traditional learning contexts including classrooms. A learning platform is not a single 'off the shelf' product, rather it's a collection of tools that are designed to support teaching, learning, management and administration.
A high-performing learning platform should be embedded in the behaviors and culture of the learner, and should offer a wide range of benefits to educators, learners, managers and administration.
Practical benefits to trainers
An effective learning platform will enable trainers to:
- Create and share training materials which can be accessed online (including via portable media devices), printed, or used with an interactive whiteboard
- Put their resources online page by page, lesson plan by lesson plan, so colleagues can access them from multiple locations
- Access a wide variety of learning materials that they can customize for the exact needs of their pupils
- Access lesson plans from colleagues to support group learning
- Assess, monitor and track learner progress progress
- Receive submissions of work from learners in a single, easy-to-manage location
- Increase learners' ICT competence and confidence.
Practical benefits to learners
An effective learning platform will enable learners to:
- Access learning materials created by their trainers and mentors, outside training time and from multiple locations
- Store work and notes online for use in just-in-time learning
- Learn in a self-pace fashion and with a wide choice of learning material
- Create an online portfolio, including digital photos and videos of performance as well as text
- Improve their ICT skills and online management of materials
- Submit coursework and assignments for assessment
- Communicate via e-mail and participate in live discussions and forums with fellow learners
Practical benefits to managers
An effective learning platform will enable managers:
- Play a part in employees' learning, via managers’ access to the learning platform
- View reports and data about assessment activities
- Communicate effectively with staff managing their staffs' learning and development
Become active partners in organizational learning and development
Practical benefits for administration and management
An effective learning platform will:
- Provide up-to-date management information on skills and knowledge acquisition
- Track the progress of individuals and teams
- Collate summative and formative assessments
- Reduce the administrative burden on L&D and HR by using transferable data
- Enable communication within the learning environment and beyond, on a one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many basis
More...
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