Designing mobile learning activities

for outdoor learning

Dr. Hagit Meishar-Tal

Dr. Arnon Medzini

Dr. Yael Sneh

Oranim College

Israel

Research goals

• To explore the applicability of using Ipads and Smartphones in Outdoor learning contexts

• To examine Students’ attitudes towards using Ipads and Smartphones in learning

• To assess pre-service teachers ability to design mobile learning activities which maximize the pedagogical potential of mobile technologies

Potential of Mobile technologies

– Active learning

– Concrete and authentic experience

– Experiential learning

Principles of outdoor learning

• Location-based learning

• Use of technology to consume information as well as to create information (Measure, document, report, share)

• Self Study, Active learning

Design principles for outdoor mobile learning

Case study

• 10 Students

• 2 male , 8 female

• Average age 26

• 4 days workshop:

– 1st day: exposure

– 2nd day: experience

– 3rd day: Pedagogical Design

– 4th day: Implementation

Activities outline

• QR code based instructions

• Use of measurement and documentation applications (Compass, camera, video, maps)

• Navigation instructions

Research tools

• Pre-course questionnaire

• Post course questionnaire

• Analysis of students’ learning product (activities)

Findings

• Most Students have smartphones and don’t have tablets

• No previous experience in mobile learning

• Positive expectations

Applicability

• Cellular range

• Dependence on technology

• Battery charge

• Unreliable applications

• Need to know many applications

• Fear of lose of control and distraction

Pedagogical problems

Technical problems

Students’ attitude: The contribution of mobile technologies

to learning

Students’ design of mobile learning activities No. Use of applications for measurement and documentation Location-

based

Access to on-line

information

Self- study

1. Measuring distance on a map, screen capture, publishing on course forum

2. Compass, producing a video clip

3. Shared plant glossary, camera, course forum

4. Reading a topographic map, camera, publication on course forum

5. Google Docs form, compass, pedometer, publication on course forum

6. Camera, publication on course forum

7. Video clip

8. Camera, collaborative map

9. Video clip

10. Collaborative topographic topographic map, pedometer

11. Shared plant glossary, publication on course forum

12. Collaborative topographic map, camera

13. Camera

14. Collaborative topographic map, compass

15. Video clip

16. Plant glossary, compass

See you in our next trip!