I. Socio-Cultural Theory Applied to Mobile Learning
The article I chose to help advance my thoughts of integrating mobile technology was “Mobile computing devices in higher education: Student perspectives on learning with cellphones, smartphones & social media,” by Gikas & Grant (2013). The article was a qualitative study that focused on a meso-level of analysis as described by Vavoula and Sharples (2009), which in particular looks at learner experience. Nine students from three different higher learning institutions were interviewed about mobile learning. The students were able to create, interact with course content, and collaborate with each other using mobile learning. I chose this article because the students learned through social experiences integrated by mobile technology. The case presented supports socio-cultural theory which was the basis of Kearney et. al (2012) features of personalization, authenticity, and collaboration in a pedagogical framework for mobile learning.
II. Personalization and Seamless Learning
The students in this case found that mobile learning was beneficial in blurring the lines between formal and informal learning, allowing them to learn without boundaries and time constraints. Kearney et. al (2012) mentions that M-learning has the potential to transcend these spatial and temporal restrictions, which is often found in formal learning. This allows the student to personalize their learning. Personalization was one of Kearney features in his pedagogical framework for mobile learning. Students are able to regulate their own learning according to their own style. Kearney et.. al (2012) mentions that “They may have control over the place (physical or virtual), place and time they learn, and can enjoy autonomy over their learning content.” As educators, I think we can use the affordances of mobile technology to blur a student’s perception that learning stops at the class bell. We can extend learning beyond classroom walls and time, letting formal learning bleed into informal learning, creating a seamless learning environment. Looi (2009) states “With mobile technologies at hand, students can learn seamlessly- both in classroom and out of classroom, both in school time and after school time.”
III. Collaboration and Presence
The students also commented on how mobile devices allowed them to connect and collaborate with others. Gigas & Grant (2009) stated “Mobile devices provide learners opportunities to collaborate, discuss content with classmates and instructors, and create new meaning and understanding.” Personally, I am interested in using social media with mobile devices to support learning and help create a social “presence” within higher education. Kearney et. al (2012) mentions Danaher et. al (2009) refer presence as being aware of self and others…encompassing the emotional element of being human and can be broken down into three interaction types of: cognitive (student-content), social (peer) and teaching (student-teacher). I think mobile learning with social media can support all three interactions types. Students can absorb content in class and on the internet, then use that acquired knowledge in communicating with other students and teachers on social media.
IV. Authenticity and Community of Learners
Besides interactions between content, peers, and the teacher, I think students can use social media to connect with professionals online. This would provide an authentic experience for students. Gigas & Grant (2009) stated that “…social media provides for collaborative and engaging opportunities for students (Hoffman, 2009 and Pang, 2009). Mobile learning can allow students to participate in authentic tasks that relate to real-world practitioners. Kearney et. al. states “ …under a participation model of authenticity, students participate in the actual work of a professional community..” Creating a presence between all learners produces a learning community and if professionals are part of that community, then it becomes more of an authentic social experience for students.
How do you think you can integrate mobile technology to promote social learning?
References:
Gikas, J., & Grant, M. M. (2013). Mobile computing devices in higher education: Student perspectives on learning with cellphones, smartphones & social media. The Internet and Higher Education, 19, 18–26. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2013.06.002
Kearney, M., Schuck, S., Burden, K., & Aubusson, P. (2012). Viewing mobile learning from a pedagogical perspective. Research In Learning Technology, 20:1, 1-17. doi:10.3402/rlt.v20i0/14406. Note: open access journal, click the link to access article. This article is not in the course reserves. http://www.researchinlearningtechnology.net/index.php/rlt/article/view/14406.
Looi, C.-K., Seow, P., Zhang, B., So, H.-J., Chen, W., & Wong, L.-H. (2010). Leveraging mobile technology for sustainable seamless learning: A research agenda. British Journal of Educational Technology, 41(2), 154-169. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8535.2008.00912.x Click here for PDF. ./images/looi_48035657.pdf