Jill Attewell, LSN Research Centre for Technology Enhanced Learning, UK

Mobilising technology for learning – lessons from MoLeNET

ABSTRACT: In recent years there have been amazing advances in consumer technology. The Mobile Learning Network (MoLeNET) initiative has enabled colleges and schools to harness some of this technology in order to modernise aspects of teaching, learning and training. The result has been improvements in learner engagement, retention, achievement and satisfaction.

This presentation draws on the experiences of approximately 40,000 learners and over 7,000 staff who have been involved in MoLeNET mobile learning projects during 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/2010.

It also reports the findings of research which sought evidence of the impact of introducing handheld and wireless technologies for learning. This evidence has been collected and analysed by LSN Technology Enhanced Learning Research Centre researchers and by practitioner researchers trained and supported by LSN.

The handheld technologies used by MoLeNET learners included mobile phones, smartphones (including iPhones), MP3/MP4 players (e.g. iPods), iPod Touch, netbooks, gaming devices (i.e. Nintendo DS and Sony PSP), classroom voting systems, mobile GPS devices and various tiny cameras and specialist scientific technologies.

Positive reactions from practitioners include one teacher commenting that the introduction of mobile technology has had more impact on their teaching than anything else in the last 10 years adding:

                        ‘there is no doubt that mobile technology has a place in the classroom’

another reported that:

                        ‘learners in outreach centres or work-based environments felt better supported’

and a senior manager told researchers:

                        ‘it has transformed teaching and learning in some areas. It’s opened up a world of                         new possibilities’