Roi Shillo, Chief Technology Officer at Construct, recently had the opportunity to give a presentation on using mobile approaches with learning.
The workshop was presented to the CampusIL, a government program that offers free courses from top universities to all the citizens in Israel. Forty to fifty people from all the organizations involved in the project attended the session. The goal of this presentation was to promote the movement to mobile learning through explaining:
Why Mobile Learning | What About Mobile Learning |
How to Move to Mobile Learning
Throughout our past experience in taking programs to mobile platforms, Construct has functioned as featured developers creating not only content but also the platform itself and the delivery. So far we have worked on around 75 mobile apps including the development of 100+ courses that currently serve 1,000+ users.
So… Why Mobile Learning?
Many learners are migrating to using media, such as videos and podcasts, on the go. When a student is traveling, mobile learning allows them to listen, watch, and understand while they are in circumstances that traditional learning would not be able to support. This type of mobile learning can be taken everywhere as long as you have a mobile device – you don’t even need the internet to access all the materials. Just like on the Netflix app, you can download videos or podcasts when you do have Wi-fi, and then be able to easily re-access them whenever you want.
The mobile learning apps that we develop are also supported with other learning resources making it more convenient to view an array of information all in one place.
We believe in collaborative learning. According to studies, “Collaborative learning has been shown to not only develop higher-level thinking skills in students, but boost their confidence and self-esteem as well.” (1) Through mobile learning apps, users can create conversations with peers and other learners with personalized messaging functions. This allows learners to take a decision based-approach rather than presenting multiple questions to the problems. Ultimately, very similar to instant messaging and Whatsapp, our mobile learning apps provide the mechanisms and context for easily sharing ideas and enhancing a students ability to understand and learn.
It may be difficult to picture how a mobile experience will allow learning through real-life experiences. However, quality apps can really make the difference when it comes to facing this dilemma. Through valuing real-life experiences as being a key part in developing real world skills, we place a priority on making sure that this can be achieved through higher quality media, providing tools for collaboration, and facilitating and integrating experiential learning into course frameworks. Students can have the ability to go out, take pictures of their work, and be presented with learning activities that require them to participate in shared life experiences.
Mobile learning isn’t just a cool new way to approach education and training…
When done right, it really DOES WORK and ultimately enhances how we learn.
What Are the Main Features of Mobile Learning?
There are 3 main features of mobile learning that exist as a part of the focused meta services processes:
-Discussion: allows for collaboration and interaction with teachers, trainers, professors, and other learners.
-Active Table: allows for comparison of several products/courses so that learners can analyze features and content in a small, concise, and convenient manner. Active table also provides guides for courses to better assist learners through the process by presenting each individual step to progress through course material.
-Videos/Podcasts: allows learners to view visual content that aids in learning in addition to being able to listen to lectures and information on-the-go when staring at a device may not be feasible.
How to Move to Mobile Learning?
We use learning technologists throughout the process so that this can be done in a much more timely and cost efficient manner.
Sample Migration Process:
Migration Process Breakdown:
The process begins with an estimation of time to complete the course. Content is then mapped out and reviewed by the creation and development team to establish the learning design, ensure quality, and outline any necessary changes. Our team then takes feedback and implements changes. Once completed, the mobile learning app will be pushed through testing among appropriate audiences to determine readiness. The program is then reviewed, undergoes final testing, and is then released.
Processes may vary depending on differences in amount of content migration and creation and amount of established reviewal periods.
It’s Time
Moving to a mobile learning approach should be a priority focus not just because it’s “cool.” Mobile learning allows learners to be able to do things that they would not ordinarily be able to do on the internet while sitting at a desktop or using a PC. The nature of this approach allows for a different type of learning experience that is becoming increasingly high in demand among not only students, but everyone who needs and wants to learn.
Learning is a lifelong pursuit, not just a 3-month course.
Considering a Mobile Learning Approach Yet?
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR MOBILE MIGRATION
Simplify the course
Keep content simple and straightforward
Don’t make it too overwhelming
Create reusable templates (allows for ease and consistency)
Be repetitive with layouts (makes the app easier to navigate)
Produce bite sized content
Each section should have 3-4 units
Each unit should have 3-4 blocks
Present information concisely (note: this is best practice)
Use native features
Don’t customize the platform too much
Avoid third party features (they are more difficult to update and edit)
Remember that testing is key
Consider iOS & Android
Be prepared to develop for 2 difference management systems
Allocate time to test functionality on both iOS and Android
Get in touch about taking your learning or training program to a mobile platform- we can provide estimates, references, examples, or even just advice on going at it independently.
(1) http://neatoday.org/new-educators/benefits-of-collaboration/
Victoria Hekking
Marketing Coordinator
Roi Shillo
Chief Technology Officer
