Friday, May 5
Special Projects
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Special project links
National New Practices in Learning Project, Mobile Learning Technologies 2004
This project was one of the first practical examples of applied m-learning practice in Australia and it has spawned many new projects since.
http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/projects/mobilelearning.htm
National New Practices in Learning Project, Mobile Learning QTI player 2005
Essentially a program that provides the user with access to assessment documents on a mobile device, this system allows the user to use and interact with the documents in a secure Pocket PC environment.
The program is made up of three parts, a front end desk top application called Redoit™ which enables then user to convert existing documentation into a QTI compliant format which can then be used on a mobile device; the QTImPlayer application for the mobile device; and a still not fully complete management system. The first part of the project took place in 2005 and details are available at: http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/projects/qti_m-player.html
More information will be available soon at: (to be announced)
GPS Technology
Virtual TourThis revolutionary product from a very clever developer Daniel Dacey of New England Computer solutions, promises to revolutionise interpretive and situated learning resources. The system uses GPS to allow the user to build 'tours' around any external environment, its desktop interface will allow the user to develop resources and then sync them up to a GPS enabled mobile device. The mobile device can then be used by a learner to undertake an educational tour live on a real site, the learner could be prompted with engaging multimedia resources such as sound and video at various specified GPS target spots as they navigate the site. The learners can also undertake short assessments on areas and activities undertaken during the tour directly through the mobile device; the product also allows tracking of users by the teacher / instructor as they undertake a 'tour'.
The product is currently in an initial beta release stage and testers are being called for so if you are interested or want to find out some more details, check it out at: http://www.necs.info/
More GPS products this time from Europe
CAERUS, context aware educational resource system for outdoor use
A 2004 project as part of the University of Birmingham's CETADL area, it was first trialled at the Uni's Botanical Gardens with mixed results, find out more at: http://portal.cetadl.bham.ac.uk/caerus/default.aspx
Interesting technology
Smart Tags for Smart Learning (RFID technology)
Imagine this, a learner wants to get some 'just in the nick of time' information while trying to start a piece of machinery, he gets out his mobile phone and swipes a smart tag stuck on the side of the machine, a voice from the phone then takes them them through the start up procedure, as Maxwell Smart might have said '...would you believe, it's the instructor in your pocket trick 99'.
The technology is with us and it is possible, current RFID technology promises to change the way in which we deliver 'just in time' and situated learning.
Check out the article on RFID possibilities at: http://www.groups.edna.edu.au/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=800
Also the RFID Journal is one of the world authorities on RFID use at: http://www.rfidjournal.com
Currently in 2006 a significant Australian project on RFID technology and learning will be initiated, more news to come so stay tuned.
Australian Moblogging Projects
AFLF, E-Learning for Youth Online Network, Engageme: Personal and Community Identity Online Project TAFENSW Access and General Education Curriculum Centre NSWA large and innovative project that focused on engaging youth using technology and moblogging. Those who participated included, 9 Institutes, 150 students, 9 teachers and 3 facilitators. View more at: http://www.moblog.co.uk/blog/engageme
E-Learning for Youth Online Network Digital Outback: Engaging Young People In E-learning TAFEWA Pilbara WA , A great project for the pictures alone; what a wonderful opportunity for engagement in the outback. More at: http://members.westnet.com.au/web/karen638/Digital_Outback/Digital_Outback_Project.htm
and one of the blogs http://www.moblog.co.uk/blog/mobdeadly
