ZA-WWW, 2009 conference

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Mobile learning at the Ekurhuleni Campus of the Vaal University of Technology: a pipe dream or a way forward?
H van Rooyen, MM Maneschijn

Last modified: 2009-11-24

Abstract


Mobile learning (M-learning) is, according to Sharples (2005), the type of learning characterised by the usage of wireless technology, through the personal control of the learning time and place, under an autonomy level and limitations determined by the device. The continuing expansion of broadband wireless networks, the explosion of computing power and capacity of the next generation of cellular telephones, and the fact that cellular telephones, a familiar tool for communications, are already fully embedded in everyday life (Wagner, 2005 & Alexander, 2004) have caused interest in mobile possibilities for teaching to increase significantly.  To remain relevant and up-to-date as technology education facilities, Universities of Technology should therefore also explore this mode of teaching. The objective of this research project is therefore to establish whether m-learning could be successfully implemented at the Ekurhuleni Campus of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) as an effective teaching tool.  Firstly, the research aims to establish what m-learning entails by means of a literature survey.  Some believe that a socially and educationally responsible definition (of mobile learning) must view the learner as the one being mobile and not his/her devices (Laouris & Eteokleous, 2005 & Alexander, 2004), while others feel that mobile learning is only an extension of e-learning (Huang, et al, 2007; Muyinda, 2007; Parsons & Ryu, 2006 and Najima & Rachida, 2008).  As many views exist on what m-learning is, a definition of m-learning is established for the purposes of this project. According to Parsons & Ryu (2006), portable communication devices are central to mobile learning environments, giving access to the learning content.  In a survey of 600 two-and four-year public and private colleges and universities (Green, 2004), it was found that laptops used in higher education settings outnumber desktop and laboratory computers, while laptops were ranked as the most important hardware devices, followed closely by cellular phones. The research therefore continues with determining the levels of popularity of laptops and cellular phones amongst students at the Ekurhuleni Campus of the VUT by means of a survey.  The survey looks at issues such as how many students possess a cellular phone, as compared to laptops, and how much access students have to the Internet. The survey also addresses the average amount of time spent using cellular phones for purposes other than social activities such as gaming, downloading of music and communicating through voice and text.  A further survey of all Information and Communication students at the Ekurhuleni Campus of the VUT is conducted to establish whether m-learning is considered a preferred teaching option over e-learning.  Finally, the results of the research are used to propose a concept environment for m-learning at this Campus. The proposed environment will be implemented and tested as part of a Masters degree in Technology at the Campus.

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