A framework of ubiquitous learning environment

In the past years, during the research on ubiquitous learning, we have completely or partially explored three kinds of e-learning systems, PC-based (ECLUE), PDA-based (CLUE+), and mobile phone-based (CLUE+1). Based on these research backgrounds, we explore the concept and the construction of ubiquitous learning environment (ULE). ULE is established on the combinations between real world and virtual space, personal space and shared space. Learning in ULE is conducted in the interactions among three essential communicative elements: social human, object in real world, and artifact in virtual space. Learning process is social transfer process between tacit and explicit knowledge. Human-based social network and broad context-awareness are very important for various interactions and social knowledge building in ULE. This paper proposes a five-dimension representation method for context-awareness information description. Additionally, this paper also gives a simple discussion to related learning terms, including blending learning (BL), social and emotional learning (SEL), and service learning (SL), which are contributive to our deeper understanding to learning in ULE. On practical dimension, this paper presents an example model for ULE implementation by integrating three background learning systems.