Molenet - Blackburn College

Year 3: Exploring the Pedagogical Potential of Work-based Mobile Learning 2009/2010

The project aims to use mobile technology to develop and deliver provision which will engage hard-to-reach work-based learners & subsequently influence pedagogy – developing a Mobile Technology delivery model which can be applied across all provision. The project will also explore the potential change in pedagogy by developing capacity, expertise and resources to deliver student-centred, individually tailored provision and make this the preferred delivery method instead of traditionally classroom-based provision.

Aims:

Utilising Mobile Technologies, we will develop pedagogy in relation to Skills for Life delivery by:
• Piloting a move from teacher-centred to student-centred learning
• Piloting a move from classroom-based learning to e-learning/m-learning
• Enhancing individual motivation using e-technology/m-technology within the workplace learning experience

Further aims include:

• Developing capacity, expertise & resources for delivery via Mobile Technology
• A delivery model which can be expanded within the Skills for Life & other academic areas & for this to become the delivery model of choice
• A legacy of resources, expertise & capacity to develop/deliver provision via Mobile Technology

Objectives:

• Engagement: To develop a series of interactive m-activities to engage with and encourage hard-to-reach work-based learners which can be reused in wider context. The mini “M-activities’ will engage students throughout the learning process.
• Subject focus: To develop a mobile learning lessen plan focusing on Skills for Life subject but can be expanded and adapted on other subjects
• M-learning Pedagogy: To carry out action research on the impact of using mobile device in work-based learning to Influence and develop mobile learning pedagogy. Mobile technology enables new and emerging forms of learning. The unique characteristics of mobile device and technology offer the opportunity to shift from traditional teaching to more flexible learning style in terms of when/where learning can take place. Learning resources and tutor support are not restricted by ‘traditional’ college opening hours – this greatly improves the flexibility of work-based learning. Subsequently, the “teacher’s role will change from “instructor” to “facilitator” who provide support in different stages of mobile learning.
• Self-evaluation: To build up learner’s capacity of self evaluation and reflection through interaction with other learners and tutors via mobile devices
• Knowledge construction: To provide a medium that learners can share information, reflection and user-centred understanding based on their workplace experience
• Personalisation: To enable tutors to design and choose activities and learning resources tailored to individual needs & preferences so that personalised mobile learning becomes possible. Mobile Technology will increase our ability to tailor provision individually & properly account for individual learning styles.
• Sustainability: to create a legacy of mobile learning materials and research findings/report on using mobile learning technologies. The outputs from the project will have significant value & importance beyond the project end date – contributing to the sustainability of project activity and benefit further development of m-learning courses
• M-learning expertise: To Expand and grow tutor’s capacity and expertise to embed mobile learning technology in their curriculum planning and development process
• Retention and achievement: Increase communication and contact with the learner to encourage retention and achievement. Along with interactive activities, learners and tutors will be able to communicate with each other via text, phone and internet (e-mail, VLE) thus promoting two-way & peer group communication and support.

Target Audience:

• Adult learners in the workplace aged 19+. We will particularly target those people who traditionally are not afforded the same opportunities to access/take advantage of learning opportunities e.g. restrictive working practices, irregular hours, lack of accessibility
• Adult learners requiring Skills for Life – Literacy/Numeracy, which is a recognised need both geographically & in terms of the labour market (see contribution to local priorities)
• Offer opportunities for learners to achieve recognised qualifications up to Level 2
• Target project provision at people requiring up to Level 2 qualifications but with progression available through to Higher Education