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 just-in-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’

• 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 ]

[ Tagline: Here come the floaticons! ]

UT Scarborough App

• 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

[just a 3 hour personal investment last night ]

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]