Visual Learning Lab

Mobile Technologies

Adopting SMS communication during lectures within the School of Geography

Research questions

What are the students’ perceptions of the use of mobile phone and SMS service for teaching and learning?

Does the anonymous in-lecture questioning and communication using mobile phone change the dynamics of the classroom-based lecture, and the relationship between lecturer and students?

How does the adoption of SMS mobile service establish and support a ‘learner community’?

The research

Today’s generation is accustomed to ‘anywhere and anytime’ portable handheld devices, most notably mobile phones, which allow quick and easy communication and information sharing. The high percentage of ownership of mobile phones in the student population has attracted a significant interest in higher education institutions about using such devices to support learning and teaching. Building on the preliminary findings from a pilot trial, this study proposes to evaluate systematically the usage of the SMS system in a first year student cohort based on a large group teaching module in the subject of geography. It will be designed to raise some vital questions for discussion and debate in connection with the concept of community practice and improvisation in education. The study is at the stage of collecting and analysing data and it is anticipated to be completed by April 2010. Contact Dr RuoLan Wang if you would like further information.

 

 

a student in the library

Click on the image above to listen to Dr RuoLan Wang talking about her research interests in mobile learning. 

Dr RuoLan Wang has developed a partnership with the University of Eastern Finland to look at Opening up learning through improvised use of technology

Read Dr Cathy Gibbon's comments on using mobile technologies  with Doctoral Students in the School of Nursing how colleagues across the University are

 

Visual Learning Lab

Dearing Building, University of Nottingham
Jubilee Campus, Wollaton Road
Nottingham, NG8 1BB

telephone: +44 (0) 115 951 4424
fax: +44 (0) 115 846 8401
email: vll@nottingham.ac.uk