Title :
A mobile learning organiser for university students
Author :
Corlett, Dan ; Sharples, Mike ; Chan, Tony ; Bull, Susan
Author_Institution :
Educational Technol. Res. Group, Birmingham Univ., UK
Abstract :
This paper describes the trial of a mobile learning organiser, developed for use by university students. Based on a wirelessly-enabled Pocket PC, the organiser makes use of existing mobile applications as well as tools designed specifically for the context of learning. The trial set out to identify what are the key tools for such a learning device. The primary uses of the organiser were communication and time-management as well as access to content. No single application took precedence. The students´ feedback demonstrated that there is a clear demand for institutional support of mobile learning, in particular course content and timetabling information. Wireless connectivity is crucial to the usefulness of the organiser. Usability issues relating to the hardware and software had considerable impact on the students´ usage and satisfaction with the system.
Keywords :
educational technology; mobile computing; notebook computers; time management; wireless LAN; content access; course content; hardware usability; institutional support; learning device; mobile applications; mobile learning organiser; software usability; student satisfaction; student usage; time-management; timetabling information; wireless connectivity; wirelessly-enabled Pocket PC; Application software; Context; Educational technology; Feedback; Handheld computers; Hardware; Mobile communication; Personal digital assistants; Software tools; Usability;
Conference_Titel :
Wireless and Mobile Technologies in Education, 2004. Proceedings. The 2nd IEEE International Workshop on
Print_ISBN :
0-7695-1989-X
DOI :
10.1109/WMTE.2004.1281331