Mobile Learning
Sarah Forbes [sforbes@utsc.utoronto.ca]
Perry Sheppard [psheppard@utsc.utoronto.ca]
Faiz Visram [fvisram@utsc.utoronto.ca]
Brian Sutherland [sutherland@utsc.utoronto.ca]
Overview
• introduction, opportunities and challenges;
Blackboard Mobile;
• UTL mobile, mobile-friendly library reference
services & course data
• Google Android + Student Perspective
• iPhone and Applications
• UT Scarborough Demo App
What is m-learning?
• Device centric – (alternative computing
platforms)
–
–
–
–
Blackberry; iPod/iPhone/iPad;Google Android
Playstation/X-Box; Tablet
Alternative screen size
Augmented sensing:, GPS, compass, accelerometer,
camera, gestural (haptic) interface
– Extended telephony (cell, skype)
• User centric – internet everywhere, so more justin-time, situated learning (the teachable
moment!)
[ http://ctl.utsc.utoronto.ca/technology/m-learning ]
Usage
http://www.marketingcharts.com/direct/smartphone-popularity-increases-15134/millenial-top-30-mobile-device-oct2010-nov10gif/
Opportunities
• Explore learning domains in new ways, leveraging prior
experience with cell phones
• Interact with key university services (library and
research services, learning management system,
registrar)
• Wayfinding using GPS + compass
• Auto filtering and superimpose information using
environmental contextual cues (GPS + compass +
camera)
• Integration of disparate data sources through web
services, e.g. real time sat nav stats for TTC through the
open data initiative
Challenges
• Do the benefits of mobile computing outweigh
the institutional effort of providing parallel,
alternate services? e.g. fee cut vs. mobile service
– A. Sometimes mobile service makes regular academic
services work more efficiently.
– B. Convenience/cool factor.
• Do internet systems provide the same level of
functionality as mobile applications?
– A. Not always, but sometimes they provide additional
functionality.
Challenges (cont’d)
• How do we support students and Faculty,
when there are so many devices, applications
and systems?
– A. With some difficulty and imagination.
– B. Trust in time better standards will emerge in mobile
devices, just like the evolution of web browsers.
– C. Over time websites will auto-adjust for mobile devices,
as the library and ref works sites do.
– D. Better sharing of support information. (user forums,
wikis, etc.)
iPod Touch
UTORLogin
• Seems to resolve
incompatibility with
campus wireless
• Tested successfully
on all three
campuses
Bb Mobile
• Under evaluation…
Blackboard Mobile
• Under review…
• Can the database support the load of this
additional system?
• How can the help desks support the users of
‘Blackboard Mobile’
• Blackboard university licensing comes up for
review in 1-2 years
Free current data and live services
• Open Data Initiative
– http://www.toronto.ca/open/
– Community information on tap
• OECD Factbook 2010
• World Bank DataFinder 2.0
e.g. ‘Layars’
[ Tagline: Here come the floaticons! ]
• iPhone/Android phone application
[ http://www.layar.com ]
• Real-time integration of GPS+compass+camera+web
services
• Superimpose 3D building models on view of a building
site so you can walk around them
• [ Easiest to Show You ]:
• [ Canadian Hospitals Layar ]
UT Scarborough App
[just a 3 hour personal investment last night ]
• Links to 20-30 points of interest on campus
• Each point of interest can have actions, such as a dial
number button, browse website button, play video,
play audio, etc.
• Current information can be superimposed via
connections to live data sources, e.g. current room
schedule, ETA of next TTC bus, etc.
• Some duplication of UTMobile app content
• Potential superposition of new buildings
Thanks!
Mobile Learning
Sarah Forbes [sforbes@utsc.utoronto.ca]
Perry Sheppard [psheppard@utsc.utoronto.ca]
Faiz Visram [fvisram@utsc.utoronto.ca]
Brian Sutherland [sutherland@utsc.utoronto.ca]