Is+mlearning+better+learning?

=** Objectives **=
 * To investigate whether mobile learning necessarily guarantees better learning
 * To determine how collaboration and connection to m-learning could potentially promote learning ownership, thus enabling the learner to become the primary instigator of their learning environment

Focus questions to answer in the [|Task 2 discussion thread in Stream]

 * What course content, if any, do you think would be enhanced through delivery by a mobile computing/communication device?


 * In what ways do you believe that mobile learning could facilitate students to influence more control over their own learning environments? (If you don't believe that this is possible, please provide a reason).


 * What collaborative learning opportunities exist for mobile learners that might not necessarily exist for learners using desk top computers?

= Activity 2a = Read the required reading below and then answer the focus questions in the Stream discussion thread. = Required reading for Activity 2a = Valk, Rashid & Elder (2010). // ﻿ Using mobile phones to improve educational outcomes: an analysis of evidence from Asia. //   =  Recommended reading for Activity 2a  =

The following course readings for Module 3 of paper 186.765 all provide details about how mobile learning technology can be used to promote learning ownership and enhance learning. These can be accessed from the Stream environment:

** Reading15: ** Jones & Issroff (2007). //Motivation and mobile devices//. ** Reading17: ** Wang, Shen, Noval & Pan (2009). //The impact of mobile learning on students’ learning behaviours and performance//.
 * Reading19:** Coulby, Hennessey, Davies & Fuller (2009). //The use of mobile technology for work-based assessment.//

Activity 2b (optional)
Whilst the required reading for Activity 2a talks about how learning can be enhanced through the use of mobile devices, the Robin Good video on the So What page of this wiki, offers a different opinion. Another criticism levelled at the use of mobile technology is that it facilitates cheating on tests. Do you believe this a valid concern for the 21st century teacher? What is your personal experience with this phenomenon? (Questions for your consideration only - no need to discuss in Stream). **Take our quick poll now by clicking on the link below. Results will show immediately.**

media type="custom" key="6786155" **Relevant resource to help you with the optional activity**
Below is a link to a brief (3 page) case study from the University of Alabama Computer and Applied Technology programme in 2009 which makes for interesting reading. And to counterbalance it, there is another article by Mark Prensky, the man who coined the phrase 'digital native', about the many advantages of using cell phones for education.

Optional Readings
 