Stafford College

Year 3 Micro Project- P.A.L.M.E. Personalised Accessible Learning via Mobile Electronics

This project will bring about a step change in E-assisted teaching in Staffordshire through the innovative use of mobile learning technologies to update/upskill FE teaching staff who are at the forefront of teacher education. Utilising the latest super mobile technologies, including imaginative solutions such as mobile Wi-Fi connectivity (mi-fi) and miniature wireless camera technologies, the project will develop 21st century teaching skills in the current cohort or trainee teachers as part of this demonstration project, proving the concept and relevance of ultra-mobility in modern accessible teaching, and developing a good practice model to be rolled out across Staffordshire FE providers.

Aims:

The project will use contemporary technologies to equip trainee teachers and educators with digital literacy skills suitable for teaching in the 21st century. New generation mobile technologies including Skype VoiP and battery-powered mobile wi-fi devices (mi-fi) will support the delivery of flexible personalised experiences for trainee teachers, achieving effective individualised knowledge transfer and technological skills development. A broader and more accessible study experience will be facilitated by this new generation of digitally literate teachers, moving the education experience towards fully accessible provision/inclusion through remote but personalised learning.

Objectives:

The following objectives are linked to and adapted from the LLUK Professional Standards for Teachers, Tutors and Trainers with particular reference to the application of emerging technologies (domains B and C).

The project will be designed so that the participants (trainee teachers) will:
• Understand the function and potential of a range of Mobile Learning devices.
By March 2010 trainee teachers will understand the function and potential of mobile learning devices. These will include: S Mobile web cameras, Skype, handheld PDAs, mobile phones, MP4 players and mobile Wi-Fi connectivity (mi-fi) Training and demonstration of equipment will be integrated into the Diploma 2nd year programme (DTLLS), specifically through the CPPD and Option Modules.
• Select appropriate Mobile Learning tools for use in developing their teaching skills as part of the ITT programme.
By April 2010 all trainees will be able to select appropriate Mobile Learning tools for use in developing their teaching skills as part of their ITT programme. The project will allocate a range of mobile learning devices to each trainee teacher, following initial training and demonstration (1. Above). Innovative applications of this technology to their personal teaching and learning situations will be supported e.g. using “Spycam” miniature cameras to record practical demonstrations, webcams to capture personal journal reflections, SMS messaging, PDAs and Skype for flexible communication and assessment.
• Communicate effectively with their tutor and ITT peers using Mobile Learning technology
From March 2010 participants will use mobile learning technologies to communicate effectively with their tutor and ITT peers. Flexible knowledge transfer and communication would be enabled through the use of mobile learning applications which facilitate remote access to messages and materials downloaded from the VLE (e.g. course notes, resources, electronic notice board for collaborative work). Bulk SMS messaging would be used to send out class reminders and assessment exercises/prompts. Skype to be used to provide remote tutorial and mentoring support.
• Identify learning and assessment opportunities in their own specialist subject teaching area which could employ Mobile Learning Technology.
From March 2010 trainee teachers will be able to audit their own curriculum areas and teaching/learning methodology for learning and assessment activities where students would benefit from mobile access to information and materials.
• Design, deliver and appraise subject specific learning and assessment opportunities for their own learners using Mobile Learning.
By June 2010 project participants will be designing, delivering and appraising subject specific learning and assessment opportunities for their own learners using Mobile Learning. Project Mentors (teacher trainers, the e-learning team) will continue to support participants in the planning and delivery of learning and assessment content (incorporating consideration or accessibility issues) which their students will be able to download in a range of formats compatible with technology such as PSPs, MP4s, Smartphones, data sticks etc. These learners will participate in assessment activities such as multiple choice exercises and SMS Flash Cards using the Moodle TXT module. Evaluation of the effectiveness of such innovations will consist of learner feedback and trainee teacher reflection (through the video journal webcam entries).

Contribution to Local and Regional priorities:

Expanded use of personalised learning and the development of e-learning is a priority area identified in the "Going for Gold" over arching quality improvement strategy in the College. This operates within Theme 2 of the West Midlands Regional ICT Strategy which states “By 2010 the West Midlands will be an exemplar region, exploiting and coordinating its Information and Communications Technologies to help drive the UK economy beyond the knowledge divide through enhanced productivity, competitiveness and efficiency”. Trainee Teachers on the DTTLS programme provide learning opportunities for SME’s and are required to become e-confident users