Presentation for the VII International Seminar of the UOC UNESCO Chair in e-Learning: Mobile Technologies for Learning & Development. 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.

1. Mobilising technology for learninglessons from MoLeNET Jill Attewell Technology for Learning, LSN

2. What is MoLeNET? A deliberate attempt to move mobile learning from Research & development and small scale pilots to: Embedded into and transforming mainstream teaching and learning Harnessing popular, convenient consumer technologies for learning

3. MoLeNET numbers 3 years (2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10) £16+ million investment 104 projects 40,000 learners 7,000 staff

4. Our definition of mobile learning? Exploitation of ubiquitous handheld (or very portable) hardware and wirelessand mobile networks to facilitate, support, enhance and extend the reach of teaching and learning

6. Focus & Aims Post 14 education including vocational To improve teaching, learning, learner experiences and learner outcomes To build mobile learning and practitioner research expertise capacity To continue to research what works Address social and economic issues ...

7. Adult workers Current economic climate means job losses and job insecurity Fewer staff = difficult to release for training Training budgets often cut On-site assessor visits can be expensive and disruptive Unemployed people need retraining Better skills = better jobs but busy lives

8. Indentified benefits of mobile learning Better access to technology at work Better standard of coursework Quicker completion of theory elements Better tools for gathering evidence More relevant and enjoyable assessment Better tutor/learner communication and feel better supported more part of community better employer engagement, if consulted

9. Young people unemployment highest for 16-25s Many young people not in education, employment and training (NEET) Many young people did not succeed at school/not performing well unhappy and bored at school poor literacy and numeracy drop out of school and/or college

10. Engaging reluctant learners/NEETs Easier to take technology enhanced learning outside for reluctant learners to try Learning more interesting, enjoyable, engaging, tailored to different learning preferences/styles, more relevant/modern Recognition of teenage and young adult learners mobile and gaming technology skills raises their confidence and self esteem Improved not worse behaviour

12. Mobile games technologies for learning?

13. Games Videos Photos e-books Internet Quizzes Flashcards Games e-books Photos PictoChat Sound files Internet

14. Measuring and ensuring impact

15. Collaborative research with Multiple evidence sources Practitioner- led action research(using a variety of research methods) Project managers reports Teachers surveys, Learner surveys Independent senior management interviews Individual student record data analysis and comparison with national data sets Case studies (www.moleshare.org.uk)

16. Practitioner led Action Research AR is especially relevant as MoLeNET aims include a desire not merely to observe the impactof introducing mobile learning but to actively contribute to: Bringing about improvements in teaching, learning and learner experiences Increasing number and skills of practitioners implementing/evaluating mobile learning Complements, adds to, helps explain findings of national research including ILR analysis

17. What has research throughout MoLeNET told us?

18. Very consistent messages over 3 years Mobile learning can improve: Attendance, retention & achievement Teaching & learning and Assessment processes Flexibility, relevance, realism & personalisation Learner engagement, quantity/quality of work and behaviour, team work, communication Support of work-based learners Support of learners with disabilities and/or learning difficulties

19. Learner retention

20. Learner achievement

21. Data collection & Assessment Video, image and audio recording A non-threatening assessment tool Enables learners to collect evidence of their skills and progress Encourages self and peer assessment Improved feedback mechanisms, and immediacy of feedback

22. Mobile technologies can Improve/maintain learner focus/attention Give learners ownership of their learning Provide multisensory, interactive learning opportunities Encourage collaboration/communication Make learning fun

23. Convenience, Constructivism & Communication Anywhere, anytime Just in time, just what I want Quick reference: Internet and Apps Individual and collaborative learning Creating, sharing & consuming multi media Communicating verbally and in writing

25. But does it change teaching and the classroom experience?

26. Teachers survey

27. Senior manager comment The sophistication of the learning activities that the learners have been able to engage in has been a huge step forward. I would say it has been transformational full stop. Director of ILT, Bedford College

28. Recipe for successful introduction of mobile learning?

29. Successful introduction & embedding of Mobile Learning

30. LSN MoLeNET Publications The impact of mobile learning (year 1) Games technologies for learning (years 1&2) Modernising education and training (year 2) Work-based and vocational mobile learning (years 1&2) Year 3 findings publications – December 2010

31. For more information and to download publications go to: www.molenet.org.uk For case studies & resources go to MoLeShare To find/share video resources go to MoLeTV jattewell@lsnlearning.org.uk