by Lynda Chambers, editor, InRoads

Ining Chao and Robert Aucoin have  designed a feasibility study that will assist with the establishment of a mobile learning strategy for RRU.  __________

A three-person team at Royal Roads University is looking at the feasibility of using smartphones to bring the university’s distance education to people in places where Internet access may be limited or non-existent.

The study, which will assist with the establishment of a mobile learning strategy for RRU, was conceived by instructional designer Ining Chao from the university’s Centre for Teaching and Educational Technologies and library and learning technologies analyst Robert Aucoin from IT-services.

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Mobile devices are the first technology since the ballpoint pen that truly go with us everywhere.

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With Professor Ken Christie, head of the Human Security and Peace-building program at RRU, the three will conduct a review of the literature and current practices related to mobile learning - focusing on other post-secondary institutions and developing nations.

Then, they'll run a trial.

“Developing nations, in particular, provide an interesting laboratory for mobile learning because, despite weak technological infrastructure, many have robust cell phone connectivity,” says Christie.

That’s why, in April 2010, Christie will lead a field test with 30 of his students who are scheduled to travel to Uganda to complete their coursework in RRU’s MA in human security and peace-building program.

Professor Ken Christie, head of the Human Security and Peace-building program at RRU, will lead a field test of mobile learning with 30 of his students who are scheduled to travel to Uganda  in April 2010. __________

“Some will already have mobile devices and they’ll be asked if they’d like to volunteer to take part in our pilot,” says Christie, adding that cell phones have overtaken landlines in Uganda because they provide Internet access and act as handheld computers.

Thanks to a Teaching with Technology grant from the university, the team has been able to purchase a Blackberry, annual subscription and sim card for use now - and later during the overseas testing.

“The Centre for Teaching and Educational Technologies at RRU offers a limited number of these grants for projects such as ours that encourage faculty members and instructional designers to explore new technologies together,” says Chao.

Using smartphones for learning is a new use of a new technology and, as a result, there are many unanswered questions. The RRU team hopes to find out whether the university’s existing courses – designed using the open source learning software called Moodle – are compatible with and accessible on mobile devices. What are the technical specifications both in terms of the hardware, software and network speed? Does mobile learning allow for different learning styles and approaches? Is there an option for student and faculty support?

Based on the answers to these questions and lessons learned in the field, Christie, Aucoin and Chao will make recommendations for a Royal Roads mobile learning strategy.

FROM WIKIS TO WEBCASTS Teaching with Technology grants are made available to RRU faculty members and instructional designers through the Centre for Teaching and Educational Technologies. They are administered in collaboration with the university’s Office of Research and the RRU Foundation. This year, successful projects include investigations into technologies relating to webcasting, screencasting and podcasting as well as the use of video and synchronous and asynchronous learning tools.

“This is a critical time to formulate a mobile learning strategy for the university and this pilot project is a conduit to such a strategy that will allow us to continue to thrive on the competitive edge of the online learning market,” says Steve Grundy, RRU’s Associate Vice-President and Chief Information Officer.

Royal Roads University has experience at adapting new technologies. The university was established in 1995 – long before the Internet was the ubiquitous tool it has become today – and led the way by offering “blended programs” that combine on-campus residencies with online learning.

“If we want to continue to be a leader in providing access to education for those who can most benefit, now is the perfect time to explore mobile learning,” says Grundy. “At the same time, we’ll ensure our course offerings are of good quality and enrich the learning experience of students.”

Right now, the team is using the Blackberry to test various systems at RRU before it goes to Uganda for testing but it is also hoping to find additional funding to supplement the costs associated with hardware, software and connectivity. Possible sources include a private sponsorship deal.

"Mobile devices are the first technology since the ballpoint pen that truly go with us everywhere so they offer a wonderful opportunity to explore the concept of anywhere, anytime learning", concludes Aucoin.