Leeds College of Art & Design

Year 2: The Use of Mobile e-Learning in Relating Historical and Theoretical Study with Practice in the Study of Art and Design 2008/2009

To provide ultra mobile pc’s for students to use both within sessions and externally. Working across Lecture theatres, art studios, classrooms and outside college buildings, these are to extend VLE systems to support students on vocational art and design programmes who also study academic qualifications. Activities will involve the use of wiki’s, blogs, podcasts and forums whilst also giving students enhanced opportunities to engage in an e –ILP pilot.

Project Aim

The project will further develop the Colleges VLE system to a point where it is used much more extensively, through the purchase of ultra mobile technology and development of wireless internet and printing facilities in the College. Mobile Learning can play a key role in teaching, learning, assessment and review. It will create a shift in curriculum away from an instructive to a constructive model that will focus primarily upon creativity in context. The primary aim is to raise achievement amongst the cohort in the theoretical and traditionally lecture-based elements of their study programme.

Project Objectives

The project will build learner knowledge of mobile learning technologies and VLE systems/interfaces. Learners will be introduced to blogs, wiki’s, forums, online groups, podcasts and websites which will contribute significantly to their National Diploma and additional AS level education through a blended learning approach, for example through 'live' on-line question and answer during lectures and briefings and seminars. The cohort will learn and understand the value of the link between theory and practice in Art and Design and will be required to demonstrate this through the production of diverse online material. Teaching materials will also be available online through the Colleges VLE gateway through on-line videos and audio clips alongside downloadable PDF documents, . Students will strengthen their skills and confidence in the use of interactive media within the context of their education. Their understanding of technical terminology and their ability to create and upload digital material to the Colleges VLE or to the world wide web will be fostered and developed throughout the project. In addition their historical and contextual knowledge of Art and Design and critical thinking skills will be strengthened by the nature and accessibility of the teaching materials provided which in turn will raise attainment levels and grade profiles for these elements of their study. The project intends to use the devices to engage all students during sessions in lecture theatre and classroom environments as well as studio and private study sessions so that those reluctant to speak up in group situations will be able to engage 'live' with their peer group and tutors. The project will also enable learners to participate if they are unable to physically attend sessions as well as acting as an archive to events held if sessions have been unavoidably missed.