Encouraging Active Learning in Blended Classrooms Through an Interactive Mobile Learning System
1 Educational Technology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr. San Diego, CA 92182, USA
2 Network Education College, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Haoran High-tech bldg., 6th Floor, Hua Shan Road, Shanghai, P.R. China
With the fast development of mobile computing terminals and wireless network, Mobile Learning (ML) is becoming one of the most popular research and development areas in today’s E-Learning. Through convenient and flexible mobile terminals and network, researchers and developers strive to provide users with teaching and learning resources and services that can be accessible anytime anywhere. This paper describes the design and implementation of a mobile learning system that can deliver live broadcast of real-time classroom teaching to online students with either computers or mobile devices. The system allows students to customize their ways of receiving, based on when and where they are tuning into the broadcast. To increase interactivity between the instructor and online students in large classes, the system also supports short text-messaging and instant polls. Through these venues, students can ask questions and make suggestions in real time, and the instructor can address them immediately. We also report results from a test implementation of this system with a blended classroom of 2000 students. Figure 1 as follows illustrates the architecture of this mobile learning system.
Figure
1. The Architecture of the Mobile
Learning System
The mobile learning system includes the mobile
phone broadcasting sub-system, and the classroom management sub-system. The
system’s physical framework can be divided into three parts: classroom cluster,
server, and client on mobile phone. Instructors, students, and system
administrators are the three groups that are involved in this mobile learning;
and each of them plays an important role in the successful delivery of course
content and materials to mobile devices.
Keywords m-learning in the information society; Networked learning and developing countries; blended classrooms; Active & interactive learning; ICT in Continuing/Adult Education