Enhancing Placement Learning via Mobile Technology
The M-Learning project is exploring the value that mobile learning can bring to students` educational experiences while they are on placement. Placement settings for University of Plymouth students are widely distributed across the South West Peninsula, and beyond. Students can feel remote from the support offered on the University campus - such as learning resources, library facilities, fellow students, tutors and lecturers. The use of mobile devices offers huge potential to address these issues.
Our project team is diverse, including academics, learning technologists, researchers, IT specialists, and representatives from external companies (e.g. Two Four Productions). We are also conducting joint work with the University of the West of England and colleagues in Sweden.
We have a number of trials running currently and have more in the pipeline, using a range of mobile devices. These include iPods, PDAs, mobile phones, digital audio recorders, video recording devices and laptops. For example, podiatry students are using small handheld video devices (Archos Gmini`s) to film clinical case studies while on placement. These are being used to enhance the student`s discussion of the case with the mentor and academic tutor and in the student`s reflective logs. This activity will help to build up an archive of examples for teaching and clinical practice purposes.
Using mobile technology in placements provides exciting opportunities and interesting challenges. We are very keen to share our experiences and to learn about those of others nationally or internationally.
Professor Susan Lea: s.lea@plymouth.ac.uk or
Dr Lynne Callaghan: l.callaghan@plymouth.ac.uk
Publications:
Callaghan, L., Newcombe, M., Abey, S., Gore, O., & Lea, S. (2008) Trials and tribulations: Three key elements to running a successful mobile learning trial in a health care setting. Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, 2, 72-73
Conference papers:
Callaghan, L., & Lea, S.J. The complementary role of self-efficacy and social support in mobile learning behaviour. International Society for the scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 16th-19th October 2008, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada [Poster]
Lea, S.J., & Callaghan, L. From attitude to behaviour: Understanding mobile learning. International Society for the scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 16th-19th October 2008, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Callaghan, L., & Whittlesea, E. Understanding student engagement with mobile learning in the placement context. South West Lifelong Learning Network Work Based Learning Workshop, 3rd June 2008, Kingston Maurward College, Dorset.
Callaghan, L., Whittlesea, E. & Lea, S.J. Bridging the Net-gen gap: understanding student and staff engagement with mobile learning in the placement context. Innovation through Partnership-JISC Regional Support Centre South West HE Conference, 8th April 2008, AtBristol Conference Centre, Bristol.
Lea, S.J. & Callaghan, L. Enhancing the learning experience of students on placement through the use of mobile technology. Plymouth e-learning conference. Digital Learning: Repurposing Education, 4th April 2008, University of Plymouth.
Callaghan, L, Lea, S.J. & Black, J. (In conjunction with ALPs CETL, University of Leeds). Enhancing placement learning through the use of mobile technology. Higher Education Academy Festival of Learning, 12th March 2008, Learning Gateway, University of Cumbria, Carlisle.
Callaghan, L. & Charlton, R. Enhancing library access through the use of mobile technology: the student perspective and practical implementation. The first International m-libraries Conference, 13-14th November 2007, Open University, Milton Keynes.
Newcombe, M., Callaghan, L., Abey, S. & Gore, O. Engaging students using mobile technology. 5th Vice Chancellors Teaching and Learning Conference, 28th June, 2007, University of Plymouth.
Lea S.J., Callaghan, L. & Newcombe, M. Harnessing mobile technology to support placement learning. The Shock of the Old 2007: The Shock of the Social, 27th March 2007, Said Business School, University of Oxford.
If you would like any further information regarding any of the papers listed, please contact Lynne Callaghan.