learning on the move: considerations for formal, informal, and semiformal learning

Learning on the move Considerations for formal, semi-formal & informal learning and instruction Michael M. Grant, PhD mgrant2@memphis.edu | @michaelmgrant Emerging Technology & STEM Symposium | May 6, 2013

Michael M. Grant 2013 Image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/ari/

Michael M. Grant The University of Memphis

http://viral-notebook.com

@michaelmgrant

http://viral-notebook.com

3 Targets

1. Formal, informal & semi-formal learning

2. Uses of mobile devices for teaching & learning

3. Considerations for teaching & learning

Mobile devices Some images from Lisa Buser at http://www.memphisparent.com/2010/09/pint-sized-learners-have-the-touch/ & http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceardach/4549898097/sizes/m/

Formal, informal & semi-formal learning

Formal Learning Images from http://www.law.fsu.edu/prospective_students/VideoViewbook/images/sections/technology.jpg

Informal Learning Image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/oncell/4711186271/in/set-72157624761515274/

Semi-formal Learning

Considerations

•  Much of mobile learning literature focuses on leveraging informal learning.

•  Fragmented, transient knowledge may occur from informal learning.

•  Disconnected pieces of information must be integrated and internalized.

Uses of Mobile Devices

Increased access to student information & campus resources

Increase interaction with content

Create representations of knowledge

Augment face-to-face instruction

Support performance & decision-making

Deploy instruction

Increase access to student information & campus resources

Increase interaction with content

Image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/chegs/5161314847/sizes/l/

GeoJourney Images from http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/mc/monitor/01-15-07/page26071.html

text4baby.org

Increase interaction with content

Image from http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100426/NEWS/100429736

Create representations of knowledge

Create representations of knowledge

Using Google Voice Video from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7PoWsFlsKU&feature=player_embedded

Create representations of knowledge

Image from http://www.st-clair.net/ict/picomap.htm

Augment face-to-face instruction

Image from http://www.tommiemedia.com/news/professors-using-smartphones-other-technology-in-classrooms/

Augment face-to-face instruction

Support performance & decision-making

Support performance & decision-making

Deploy instruction

Deploy instruction

Microlearning in Amsterdam

Considerations

Mobile devices & services

Culture & situatedness

Mediation

Learner autonomy, self-direction & self-regulation

What does mobile mean?

Always isn’t better.

Mobile Devices & Services

•  Characteristics of mobile devices make them attractive for learners, teachers, and developers.

•  Mobile device adoption does not guarantee its potential or use.

•  Mobile device adoption does not guarantee the adoption of mobile services.

•  Little attention given to the distinction between mobile devices and mobile services.

Culture & situatedness

•  Mobility with learning affords authentic interactions within cultural settings.

•  Learning in situ provides authentic settings and lends real-world credence to learning contents.

•  Context-aware, or location-based services, allow specific learning tasks to occur at a particular location.

•  The value and utility of location-based services is just beginning to show promise.

Mediation

•  Mobile devices and mobile services mediate interactions with physical and networked environments.

•  Mediated interactions facilitates/allows knowledge construction.

Learner autonomy, self-direction & self-regulation

•  Mobile learners are physically and socially separated from peers and teachers.

•  Learning itself with mobile devices and mobile services may change.

•  There is not consensus on the use of self-regulation with mobile learning.

What does ‘mobile’ mean?

•  Mobile is used often without a clear definition. •  Mobile described both identity and influences. •  Mobile reflects the fluidity and flexibility of mobile

devices and mobile services. •  Mobile augments learners.

Always isn’t better

The more learning is decentralized, the more important guidance and scaffolding will become.

Always isn’t better

Always isn’t better

Always isn’t better

Fragmented information does not change into knowledge until it has been internalized.

THANKS. QUESTIONS? Michael M. Grant mgrant2@memphis.edu | @michaelmgrant

Michael M. Grant 2013