What can we learn from a WoLF Mobile learning lessons from a HE in FE project

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What can we learn from a WoLF? Mobile learning
lessons from a HE in FE project
By Dr Samuel Nikoi Dr Palitha
Edirisingha (Beyond Distance Research Alliance
University of Leicester)
http//moodle.lec.ac.uk/wolf/
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WoLF Background

• JISC funded collaborative research project
  between Leicester College University of
  Leicester.
• Role of Leicester College
• Recruit Teaching Assistants
• Learning Technologist Tutor
• Role of University of Leicester
• Research
• From March 2007 - December 2008.

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Project Objectives

• To investigate how Pocket PCs can support
  portfolio development by Teaching Assistants on
  foundation degree programme in education at the
  University of Leicester.
• To develop
• A pedagogical model and proof of concept
• Resources for practitioners for designing
  reflective learning
• Exemplar and user cases highlighting student
  experiences
• Guidelines for integrating pocket PCs
  institutional VLEs

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Induction Process
PDA INDUCTION SESSION
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Research Design

• Research Approach
• Ethnographic action research
• Data Gathering
• 20 TAs in first, second and third year study
  groups.
• One-to-one Interviews
• Classroom Observation
• Focus Group Discussion
• Activities on project moodle
• Data Analysis
• Qualitative data analysis using cognitive mapping
  

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Benefits Learning Activities

• Personalisation
• Evidence for assignments
• Reflection
• Memory aid

For the science assignment I used the PDA for
voice recording and for videoingI used the PDA
for literacy assignment as well (1st Year TA).
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Benefits Knowledge Management

• Gathering Sharing
• Resources Text/Audio visuals
• Socialisation
• Communities of Practice

on the moodle site it is there for everyone to
see, its there to share with everyone. If
colleagues are having the same problems learning
technologist will not have to answer the same
questions. 1st yr TA.
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Issues Technical Quality

• Synchronizing PDAs with home computers
• Uploading evidence unto VLE
• Wireless connectivity
• Poor quality images / recordings

PDA will be great as a learning device
especially if you had access to wireless internet
in the school. 3rd yr TA. the recording Its
difficult to listen. Its quite hard in my
experience. It actually makes it more of
tasks.1st yr TA.
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Issues Learning conditions

• Space ownership management
• Ethical considerations
• Access to specialist equipment
• Insurance cost

I am not allowed to take pictures of any of my
children because of the nature of my work. (2
year TA). Weve already got facilities in our
schools (1st year TA).
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Issue - Learner support

• Induction one off vrs progressive
• Type of Support Reactive, Proactive, Interactive
• Sources of Support
• Formal Teacher, Learning technologist, IT
  officers.
• Informal Peers, Close friends, family members.

When doing my portfolio always make sure that I
have the piece of feedback I front of me My
children are my teacher (2 year TA).
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Lessons Learnt

• Framing of context
• Structuring learning activities
• Ownership of equipment
• Space management
• Learning support
• Integration
• Standards

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Project Partners

• Beyond Distance Research Alliance
• University of Leicester
• Prof. Gilly Salmon
• Dr Palitha Edirisingha
• Dr Samuel Nikoi
• Leicester College
• Paul Chapman
• Lucy Stone
• Kirsty Lewis
• Chris Battisson
• JISC FE in HE Programme
• Lisa Gray

http//moodle.lec.ac.uk/wolf/
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Learning Futures Conference 2009
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Conclusion

• Questions
• And
• Contributions