Resources
CTAD has developed a large pool of materials for m-learning. They vary from simple text messages to more complex, interactive multimedia designed to be delivered on handheld computers that can provide animations, sound and colour. We have also produced eye catching paper based resources such as fliers, scratch cards and ‘z’ cards, to be used in conjunction with the mobile devices, such as for engagement activities, signposting or drill and practise activities, (see Which technology?).
Some low-tech scenarios
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I am bored and waiting for a bus. I am taking my driving theory test in a week and am a bit nervous about it, so I load a game onto my phone that lets me practise ‘quiz’-style questions while I wait.
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I see a poster on a wall challenging me to improve my maths. I try the 15 questions, text my answers to the number at the bottom, and get an instant assessment (with details of who to contact if I need help).
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I am studying a foreign language. To practise listening, I call up a phone number that simulates various dialogs with me (e.g. buying a bus ticket) and gives me feedback on my understanding or even on my pronunciation!
Using slightly better phones
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My class of students does a mobile project. I send them around town with a ‘treasure map’, and as they solve the various puzzles I have left them they take photos of the solution and text them to me. All the pictures and texts are automatically collected onto a web site, so that when they return they can show their friends what they did.
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I am dropping out of school. I take an assessment and it seems I need to improve my reading, but I am very unmotivated. As part of a technology trial I am lent a PDA-phone with a collection of learning materials matched to my needs, but designed for the small screen: bright, brief, light-hearted, loud. I get to keep the PDA-phone for a couple of weeks, in the process learning to write and draw on it, as well as surfing the web and taking photos!
Using PDAs
We are doing all of the above, as well as giving the learners access to online webpage building and community tools.
Early trials encouraged us to focus on compelling themes. For the current materials we have have combined basic skills learning with:
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the theory you need to pass the driving test.
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travel advice
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health and fitness: food, sport, drugs and eating
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lifestyle: clotes, fashion, diy and budgeting
and so far the results and feedback have been really positive :)
Interactive demo
See m-learning in action:
XDA 2
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from your XDA2
»
from a PC
P800 and P900
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from your P8/900
»
from a PC
To find out more about the m-learning resources contact CTAD or visit the products page on our m-learning portal.
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and CTAD - © 2005
