Mobile Learning: Research Practices, Challenges and Future Directions

Dr. Mohamed AllyProfessor, Centre for Distance Education

Program Director, Doctoral programResearcher, Technology Enhanced Knowledge Research Institute

Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK)February 26, 2016

Seminar Outline

• My research and projects

• Research practices and research needed

• Challenges for implementing mobile learning

• Future of mobile learning and education

• Questions and discussions

Professional Activities• Past-President – International Federation of Training and

Development Organizations

• Past-Board Member - Canadian Society for Training and Development

• Member of an international committee (Canadian Standard Association and ISO) to set standards for mobile learning

• Founding Director - International Association for Mobile Learning

• Vice-President – International Blended Learning Association

• WISE (World Innovation Summit in Education) – Doha Qatar

• Delivered keynote speeches and presentations in 45 countries

• Edited 9 books – Mobile and emerging technologies in education and training

• Currently co-editing 2 books on Mobile Learning and E-learning

Recent Books• Ally, M. & Khan, B. (2015). The International Handbook of E-

learning: Implementation and Case Studies. Routledge Pub.• Khan, B. & Ally, M. (2015). The International Handbook of E-

learning: Theoretical Perspectives. Routledge Pub.• Ally, M. &. Tsinakos, A. (2014). Mobile learning development for

flexible delivery to increase access for learning. Commonwealth of Learning Press. (English and Chinese versions) http://www.nerc.edu.cn/FrontEnd/media/media_detail.aspx?mediaid=972f62de-ef82-4d71-8982-4b7bf9415ed1

• Tsinakos, A & Ally, M. (2014). Global Mobile Learning Issues and Trends. Open University of China Press. http://ade.ouchn.edu.cn/?action-viewnews-itemid-200

• Ally, M. & Needham, J. (2013). MLibraries 4: From margin to mainstream: Mobile technologies transforming lives and libraries. Facet Publishing, UK.

• Ally, M. (2009). Mobile learning: Transforming the delivery of education and training. Athabasca University Press. (English and Chinese versions) - http://aupress.ca/index.php/books/120155

http://ade.ouchn.edu.cn/?action-viewnews-itemid-200http://ade.ouchn.edu.cn/?action-viewnews-itemid-200http://ade.ouchn.edu.cn/?action-viewnews-itemid-200

Books to be Published in 2016

• The International Handbook of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL)

• Transforming Education in the Gulf region: Using Emerging Learning Technologies and Innovative Pedagogy

Generations of Technology in Education

First GenerationCorrespondence Education

Print

Second GenerationDistance Education

Print with support

Third Generation

E-Learning/Online Learning

Fourth GenerationMobile and Ubiquitous Learning

Fifth Generation????

• “In the pocket banking”

• “A library in everyone’s pocket”

• “A doctor in everyone’s pocket”

• Are we ready for “Learning in the pocket”

Definition of Mobile Learning

• Learning using information and communication technologies in mobile contexts - ISO/IEC 29140-2 (TR)

• Other definitions– Mobile learning is the delivery of electronic learning

materials on mobile computing devices to allow access from anywhere and at anytime (Ally, 2004).

– m-learning can be defined as learning using mobile and wireless computing technologies in a way to promote learners’ mobility and nomadicity nature (Shon, 2008)

• Remove barriers to learning• Access from remote locations• Students can learn from anywhere

and at anytime• Many learners already have the

technology – they are bypassing the desktop/notebook phase

• Learn in context

Why M-Learning?

• Cater to different learning styles• Learning is more learner-centered• Learning materials are easy to

update and deliver• New generations of learners• Information explosion

Why M-Learning?

New Generations of Learners

• Online presence

• Now generation

• Virtual generation

• Social networking

• Games

• Digital experts

• Adapt to technology quickly

• Technology is second nature

Thinking Process for Classroom Lecture Delivery

• Teacher learns the materials• Teacher develops own knowledge base depending on

existing schema• Teacher becomes an expert in the field• During teaching, teacher retrieves information form

memory to transmit to students• The information may be complied or high level which

may not be appropriate for students who are new in the field

• Students interpret the teacher information based on their existing schema which may be different from the teacher schema

• Students store the information in knowledge base

Thinking Process in Learner-centered Education (Mobile Learning, Online

Learning, E-learning, etc.)

• Students access the information using technology

• Students interpret the information using existing schema to build knowledge base

• Students develop skills by practicing

• Students access tutors for help during the learning process

Role of the teacher and student in mobile learning

• The teacher will become a facilitator of learning.

• The student role will change from a passive learner to an active learner where they will learn by doing.

For Learner-centered Education to be effective, need to train students to

learn independently

(Reading, Writing, 21st Century Skills)

Students 21st Century Skills (Ally, 2010)

A. CommunicationB. Personal SkillsC. Project ManagementD. Continuous ImprovementE. Conflict ResolutionF. Problem SolvingG. Information and Communication TechnologyH. Team WorkI. Interpersonal SkillsJ. Emotional/ Social IntelligenceK. Personal Well-beingL. LeadershipM. GlobalizationN. ResearchO. Critical Thinking

My Recent and Current Research Projects

• ESL training for workers• Use of mobile devices by older adults• Learners use of mobile devices in forming community of

practice in distance education• Mobile technology in libraries• State of mobile learning in Canada• Mobile learning in the workplace• Electronic Template for teachers to develop problem-

based learning• Augmented Reality in workplace training• Mobile Technology to deliver Physician Assistant training -

Ghana• Mobile access of health information system - Zambia• Using ICT to train health professionals to reduce disease –

Sierra Leone

State of Mobile Learning in Canada and Future Directions

Mohamed Ally, Ph.D.Professor

Athabasca Universitymohameda@athabascau.ca

Agnieszka PalalasAthabasca University

apalalas@athabascau.ca

PR

OF

IL

E

British

Columbia

17 Alberta

14

Saskatchewan

1

Manitoba

1

Quebec

4Ontario

66

Nova

Scotia

0

Newfoundland

& Labrador

1

Nunavut

0Northwest Territories

0

Yukon

1

PEI

1

New

Brunswick

2

Multiple locations

4

CANADA

Canadian Provinces and Territories Surveyed

5%

22%

41%

25%

7%

How Innovative are Canadian Organizations in Mobile Learning?

Innovators

Early adopters

Early majority

Late majority

Laggards

PR

OF

IL

E

25%

28%

41%

6%

Effectiveness of M-learning

Very effective

Effective

Somewhat effective

Not effective at all

CO

NC

LU

SIO

N

Recommendations for Canada

• A national agency should be established or an existing agency should be used to coordinated mobile learning activities across Canada so that mobile learning developers, researchers, and mobile device manufacturers share best practices and research results.

• Develop standards for mobile learning so that learning materials can be developed and shared between organizations.

• Include mobile learning as a stream in the Tri-council research grant programs.

• Develop training programs specializing in mobile learning .

Recommendations for Organizations

• Integrate mobile learning in strategic, business, and educational plans.

• Create partnerships between industries and educational institutions to collaborate on the mobile learning research and the development of learning materials.

• Develop a research agenda for mobile learning.

• Publish research studies so that all Canadians can have access to the results of the studies.

Qatar National Vision 2030

Qatar residents are encouraged to implement information and communication technology (ICT) initiatives in government, business, and education in pursuit of a knowledge-based society that embraces innovation, entrepreneurship, and excellence in education.

Improving Communication Skills in the Workplace

Using Mobile Learning

Project Details

• Project funded by the Qatar Foundation –Qatar National Research Fund

• Collaborative project with Athabasca University, Qatar University, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar Mobility Innovations Centre

• Develop training lessons for delivery on mobile technology to improve English Skills in the workplace

Language Training

Mobile Learning Lessons in Different Sectors

Multimedia Features -video

• Health and Wellness video followed by interactive questions

Research in Mobile Learning

Quality of Research Studies

• Gunn and Steel (2012) analyzed 100 research studies on learning technologies to determine effectiveness of these research studies to inform practice. They found that most studies were:– poorly conceived– had inappropriate methodologies– had limited reference to theory– presented weak results– had incomplete descriptions– had uneven or overblown presentation of data– had unsupported claims of impact and importance

Gaps in Research on Mobile Learning

• Cochrane (2012) identified the following gaps in research on mobile learning.

– No clear pedagogical theory for designing effective mobile learning

– Limited evaluation of the mobile learning projects

– A lack of longitudinal studies on mobile learning

– Providing support for students in mobile learning

– Providing support for teachers in mobile learning

Conducting Quality Research

• Bloch (2004) suggested the following guidelines for quality research studies.– Pose significant questions that can be investigated

empirically – Link research to relevant theory – Use methods that permit direct investigation of the

question – Provide a coherent and explicit chain of reasoning – Replicate and generalize across studies – Disclose research to encourage professional scrutiny

and critique

Suggestions for Research• Cognitive process learners use when on the go • How to design learning materials when learning on the go• Learning styles in mobile contexts and which learning style

is more conducive to mobile learning.• How to design for seamless learning between sessions• What are the characteristics of the current and upcoming

generations and how to design and deliver for these generations?

• How to make interaction with mobile learning intuitive with effective interface design

• What policies, at the different country levels, are needed for successful implementation of mobile learning

• Designing mobile interface for special needs students• How to reduce cognitive load in mobile learning

Suggestions for Research (cont’d)

• How to design information rich content for mobile technology delivery

• What are the characteristics of mobile technology for different cultures? This critical for universal and inclusive education since most of the mobile technologies were designed in a small number of countries

• Building high level interaction in mobile learning to encourage high level learning

• Strategies for developing hands-on learning using mobile technology

• How to develop intelligent systems to personalize the learning for the students

• Developing a mobile device for education

Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model

• Step 1: Reaction - How well did the learners like the learning process?

• Step 2: Learning - What did they learn? (the extent to which the learners gain knowledge and skills)

• Step 3: Behavior - What changes in performance resulted from the learning process? (capability to perform the newly learned skills)

• Step 4: Results - What are the tangible results of the learning process in terms of reduced cost, improved quality, increased production, efficiency, etc.?

Mobile Learning Challenges and Issues

Mobile learning challenges

• Technology is changing at a rapid rate

• Developing standards for mobile learning

• Etiquette of using mobile devices when learning

• Not enough training programs to train teachers on how develop mobile learning materials

• Educators and learners to move away from paper to electronic

Students (and teachers) prefer to read on paper rather than on screen

• If given a choice students will select what they used before (most comfortable) – paper

• Perhaps ban paper-based learning materials

• Do not use the term E-book (use E-learning or digital learning resources)

Issues in Mobile Learning

• It is not the availability of the mobile device

• Connectivity is and will not be an issue

Universal Access to the Internet(The Telegraph, Sept 28, 2015)

• Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates, and celebrities including Bono and Charlize Theron have launched a declaration with an aim to give internet access to everyone by 2020.

• Zuckerberg made the pledge to the United Nations on Saturday to make giving universal internet access a global priority.

• http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/mark-zuckerberg/11893994/Mark-Zuckerberg-calls-for-universal-internet-access-to-combat-poverty.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/mark-zuckerberg/11893994/Mark-Zuckerberg-calls-for-universal-internet-access-to-combat-poverty.html

Issues

• Availability of quality learning materials

• Interactive learning materials for high level learning

• Teachers not accepting the use of mobile learning

• Lack of trained teachers to design and implement mobile learning

• Policies for implementing mobile learning

Mobile learning for remote education and urban education

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

Learning Activities Outside the Classroom using Mobile Technology

• View recorded and live lectures• Online resources• E-textbooks• MOOCs• OERs• Interview experts• Journalizing• Online discussion• Chat

Profile of a Mobile Learning Teacher

Profile of a Mobile Learning Student

Designing Mobile Learning for Higher Level Learning

Quinn (2011) – Four C’s of mobiles

Interactivity for Mobile Learning

• Object interactivity (proactive inquiry) – objects are activated by using a pointing device.

• Linear interactivity (reactive pacing) - the user is able to move (forwards or backwards) through a predetermined linear sequence.

• Support interactivity (reactive inquiry) -generalized and context-sensitive support (help messages and tutorial supports).

Interactivity (cont’d)

• Update Interactivity - individual application components or events in which a dialogue is initiated between the learner and device-generated content (practice with feedback)

• Construct Interactivity - the creation of an instructional environment in which the learner is required to manipulate component objects to achieve specific goals (assemble an apparatus).

• Reflective Interactivity - responses to prompts or questions where learners can reflect on their response and make their own judgment as to its accuracy or correctness.

Interactivity (cont’d)

• Simulation Interactivity - extends the role of the learner to that of controller or operator, where individual selections determine the next learning sequence.

• Hyperlinked Interactivity (proactive navigation) - the learner has access to a wealth of information, and may "travel" at will through that information base.

Interactivity (cont’d)

• Immersive Virtual Interactivity -provides an interactive environment in which the learner is projected into a complete computer-generated world which responds to individual movement and actions.

Success Factors – Mobile Learning (Cochrane, 2010)

• Good pedagogical design of the learning materials

• Learners’ assessment

• Teacher modeling the use of the mobile technology

• Formative feedback to learners

• Appropriate selection of the mobile technology

Strategies for Successful Implementation of Mobile learning

• Motivating staff to become involved in mobile learning

• Develop the infrastructure for mobile learning

• Work with partners for development

• Use existing resources

• Dual-mode organizations should plan for mobile learning

• Develop success stories and communicate results

Strategies for Successful Implementation of Mobile learning (cont’d)

• Provide support for teachers and faculty

• Provide support for students

• Establish quality assurance measures for mobile learning

• Prepare teachers and faculty for mobile learning

• Prepare students for mobile learning

Mobile Learning Trends

• Virtual devices

• Immediate assembly of learning materials

• User generated content

• Intelligent agents to adapt the interface for the learner

• Intelligent learning materials (e.g. learning objects) to cater for individual learner needs

• Open Education Resources (OER)

• Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

• Less use of textual materials – more multimedia

Looking into the Future

Gesture-based Interaction

Emotional Computing

Use of Drones in Mobile Educationin Remote Locations

Smart Glasses

Wearable Devices

Communicating at a Distance with the Brain

• The first brain-to-brain telepathy-like communication between two participants via the Internet has been performed by University of Washington researchers (Sept 2015)

Two Way Communication with the Brain

Mobile Learning in Smart Societies

• A developed urban area that creates sustainable economic development and high quality of life by excelling in multiple key areas; economy, mobility, environment, people, living, and government. Excelling in these key areas can be done so through strong human capital, social capital, and/or ICT infrastructure.(www.businessdictionary.com/definition/smart-city.html)

• A smart city is defined as the ability to integrate multiple technological solutions in a secure fashion to manage the city’s assets – the city’s assets include, but not limited to, local departments information systems, schools, libraries, transportation systems, hospitals, power plants, law enforcement, and other community services. The goal of building a smart city is to improve the quality of life by using technology to improve the efficiency of services and meet residents’ needs (Wikipedia)

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/smart-city.html

Mobile LearningInternet of Things (IoT)

• The term Internet of Things generally refers to scenarios where network connectivity and computing capability extends to objects, sensors and everyday items not normally considered computers, allowing these devices to generate, exchange and consume data with minimal human intervention.g3ict.org/download/p/fileId_1031/productId_340

What will education look like with no physical (mobile) devices?

Thank you

Mohamed Ally, Ph.D.

Professor, Centre for Distance Education

Researcher

Technology Enhanced Knowledge Research Institute

(TEKRI)

Athabasca University

Canada