looking beyond the whiz-bang technology: using mobile learning technology to improve economic...

Looking Beyond the Whiz-bang Technology:

Using Mobile Learning Technology to Improve Economic Instruction

Steven C. Myers and Daniel A. TalleyASSA Annual Meetings

Chicago, IL

Jan. 7, 2007

• Remember getting your first laptop after being used to a desktop?

• Do you now haul your laptop home and to class?– If so you are a mobile worker, teacher, or

student.– But do you also haul along stacks of

paper, a textbook or two and a few folders of notes or a large notebook, if not more?

– Where is the paperless office?

Mobile Learning Technology

Purpose: Describe the integration of computer technologies that enables the instructor to create a Mobile Learning Technology Environment.

Claim: Mobile learning technology use will • Yield improvements in student learning

and engagement; • Increase the Efficiency of Instructor

Time Spent on Instruction.

What is a Mobile Learning Technology Environment?

A Mobile Learning Technology Environment is:

1) Classroom Management and System Level Software

+ 2) Wireless Networking System

+ 3) Tablet PC

(or another Mobile Computing Device)

Wireless Network

Mobile devices (Tablet PCs)

Course management and other system

level software

Figure 1: Three Key Components of a Mobile Learning Technology Environment

Course Management and System Level Support

Allows instructional resources and course information to be made available over a campus computer network to students.

Examples: WebCT, Blackboard, Virtual U

Course Content: Announcements, syllabus, exam and assignment schedule, grade report, online quizzes, links to instructor-provided and Internet resources and other course support tools.

WebCT at DSU

The Wireless NetworkA wireless network is a network of

wireless access points and hubs that connects the wireless ‘layer’ with the wired ‘backbone’ campus network.

A wireless network is:• Not actually an independent network;• Adds no additional functionality other

than wireless access to the campus network.

The Wireless Network

Allows anywhere / anytime access to the campus network

System of access points (routers and hubs) provides wireless coverage to:

• office spaces, • classrooms, • campus buildings and facilities,• even campus green spaces

Important: Permits Wireless Projection

Wireless Projection

Configure classroom projectors so that a computer can project wirelessly.

Instructors and students with wireless devices can install software and use.

Advantages:• ‘Untethers’ the instructor from a fixed

computer station• Allows students to easily share

work/presentation with class

Source: http://www.projectorcentral.com/wireless_projector.htm

Wireless Network

The Mobile Device – Tablet PC

Mobile computing devices are becoming commonplace and could include a range of devices (PDA’s, etc.).

Best Choice for InstructionTablet PC

Tablet PC is a computer that can function as a wireless laptop-- but has two key additional features.

Tablet PC

Gateway M285• Pentium M 1.88

GHz• 1 GB RAM• XP Windows Tablet

PC edition 2005• 80 GB HD• DVD writer • Port replicator• University installed

software

Tablet PC

Common Types• Slate• Hybrid• Convertible

Unique Features• Form factor• Digital Ink

Tablet PC Input Panel

Tablet PC Input Panel

Tablet PC Input Panel

Tablet PC Input Panel

Tablet PC Equation Writer

Tablet PC Equation Writer

The Future of the Tablet PC

The Future of the Tablet PC

Mobile Learning Presentations

Mobile learning technologies enhance presentations by allowing presenter to annotate simply and easily.

Three most common presentation tools:• Digital Ink PowerPoint Presentation• Digital Ink Microsoft Office Suite

(Word, Excel, Outlook) – Authors Choice• Microsoft Journal• SMART Notebook – Authors Choice• Others?

Click here to go to part two of this presentation.