m-learning

M-learning and family learning

An m-learning and family learning trial took place throughout September to December 2006 as part of the Skills Development in the Fens project. The aim of the trial was to pilot the use of mobile technologies to develop skills in family learning settings. Learning resources were produced by Tribal CTAD, working with Cambridgeshire and Suffolk family learning teams for use in the trial.

What are the resources?

Initial assessment: a short paper-based quiz to gauge learners’ previous knowledge and use of mobile phones. It should be used before commencing with any of the other materials. 
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SMS quiz: an introductory quiz in the form of a brightly coloured A5 flier. This item has a short quiz on one side. Learners can text their answers to a specified number and receive almost instant feedback on how well they have done. On the other side of the flier, learners have to identify and label some parts of a PDA (personal digital assistant).
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Text language: a series of activities designed to explore the language used in text messages, including speaking and listening activities, interpreting abbreviations, discussion topics and using normal phones or PDAs to practice sending messages.
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PDA quizzes: 4 short quizzes designed for PDA phones. The content areas are ‘Fruit and veg’, ‘Politics’, ‘Child development’ and ‘General knowledge’. The quizzes have simple content and are in the form of multiple choice questions. An accompanying tutor script is also available.
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Activities to accompany the PDA quizzes: a series of paper-based activities designed to be used in conjunction with the PDA quizzes, although parts of the activities are suitable for standalone use with learners. Activities include, word searches, spelling games and discussion topics. 
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Creating a story: a joint activity for parents and children using functions on the PDAs to create stories. Stories can be written down, videoed, photographed or recorded and sent by text, or MMS to another learner, to a mediaBoard, or uploaded to a computer. The activities could be adapted for use with standard mobiles.
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Riddles and jokes: a series of activities around riddles and jokes. Learners can solve riddles, record reactions to jokes and even create short videos. The activities could be adapted for use with a normal mobile phone if necessary.
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Emotions and emoticons: activities designed to explore and develop an understanding of emoticons used in text messages. Extension activities include creating artwork, or photos of facial expressions.
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Alliteration: exploring alliteration and creating rhymes. Join activities for adults and children. 
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Personal spelling lists: here learners are able to create their own list of spellings in ‘Notes’ or ‘Pocket Word’ and save them to their PDA. This could be adapted for use on a standard mobile, by adding words to the texting dictionaries. 
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