EDUC 5422EX - Mobile Learning

External - Semester 2 - 2014

This fully online course addresses the use of mobile technologies for learning in higher education. The types of technologies available and the best practices for using them both in and out of the classroom will be addressed with the opportunity to participate in the course via mobile technologies. The cost and support requirements for using these technologies will be discussed as well as the rationale for their use. Potential benefits for staff and students in using mLearning include access, authentic context, and collaboration and are discussed as well as potential limitations. This course will cover the use of smartphones, tablets, laptops and personal media devices such as iPods in a higher education context. Software such as collaborative tools, discipline specific applications and production software including Flash and html5 editors will also be addressed.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code EDUC 5422EX
    Course Mobile Learning
    Coordinating Unit School of Education
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s External
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 12 hours per week wholly online
    Assessment Reflective journal, 2000 word research assignment and collaborative exercises
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Edward Palmer

    Edward Palmer
    Email edward.palmer@adelaide.edu.au
    Work Phone 83136036
    Office Location Room 6.23 Nexus 10
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Week 1: Introduction
    Week 2: What is Mobile Learning?
    Week 3: Devices
    Week 4: The Social World
    Week 5: Apps for Students
    Week 6: Microblogging
    Week 7: Pedagogy 1
    Week 8: Apps for Staff
    Week 9: Presentations
    Week 10: Authentic Learning
    Week 11: Equity and Security
    Week 12: Pathways Forward
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    At the end of this course students will

    Be able to define mobile learning
    Be proficient in the use of key mobile learning devices and software
    Understand the use of social approaches to learning
    Be aware of trends in mobile learning and have strategies to adapt to them
    Have an understanding of the pedagogies which are relevant to mobile learning
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,3,5
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 4-5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 2,5
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 2
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1-5
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 4
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 2
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 4-5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    All resources are available online but students wil require access to a mbile device, ideally a smartphone or tablet
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Fully online course
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The workload for this course is for a complete 3 point course. 156 hours for the semester. Virtual classes will beheld 1-2 times per week (non-compulsory but highly beneficial). Recordings of classes will be available
    Learning Activities Summary
    Virtual Classes
    Discussion Forums
    Assignments
    Using mobile devices to learn
    Specific Course Requirements
    Please check that your learning device is set up such that it will handle the requirements listed below. This will ensure you will have an opportunity to fully participate in this course.
    If you are an Adelaide University staff member and your office computer complies with the standard operating environment specs you are in a good position to meet most of the requirements, at least in terms of hardware.

    Note: It is important to remember that adding new capabilities to your existing computer may have some lead time I.e forms to fill in, help desk requests, installations etc) so please set about doing this in good time.

    The requirements are outlined below:
    Access to MyUni (Blackboard learning management System)
    Virtual Classroom (online service)
    1. Headset (mic and ear phones). Avoid using the PC speakers as these produce feedback into the mic and this disturbs other participants.
    2. A broadband internet connection is not essential but is recommended.
    Journal tool (online service) - included in MyUni
    Wiki tool (online service) - included in MyUni
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    There will be three assessment items for this course

    1. Discover and share ten applications for mobile learning (50%). Group presentations will follow

    You will each seek out 10 applications that are relevant to either yourself or your students that are designed for mobile learning. For each of the applications you will justify it's use and give one example of how you would use it in your teaching/learning. You will share your discoveries with the class using an appropriate mobile technology and software (30%). You will then work with two other people and from your 30 applications you will identify your top 5 applications and will present your findings in the virtual classroom. (20%)

    2. Reflective journal of your use of mobile learning put into context with the current literature. (30%). 

    You will keep a reflective journal in any form of your choice detailing your exploration of mobile learning. You will provide details on how you work, the learning spaces in which you work and how effectively you feel you are learning. You should keep a weekly journal entry of approx 300 words or equivalent. Where possible consult the literature as part of your reflections.

    3. Engagement with mobile learning technologies
    Assessment Detail
    Your journal will be marked at three points during the semester:each entry should be approx 300 words and should be maintained on a weekly basis
    Week 3 (10%)
    Week 6 (10%)
    Week 9 (10%)-includes summary of all experiences



    Journal Criteria
    criteria Unsatisfactory Satsifactory Highly Satisfactory
    Frequency and Quantity (1-3) Less than 1 posts/week 1 post/week More than 3 posts. Posts are made at least once a week from the commencement of the project
    Content No personal response is made to the issues/concepts raised in the course materials. Does not reflect on own work at all and no examples are provided.

    No use of research literature
    Analysis conveys some evidence of a personal response to the issues/concepts raised in the course materials.

    Demonstrates an ability to reflect on own work but provides few examples.

    Reflection is supported by occasional use of research literature
    Reflection conveys evidence of a personal response to the issues raised within the journal. Student demonstrates personal growth and awareness.

    Reflects well on own work, demonstrates a range of meta-cognitive practices and provides many examples.

    Reflection is asssited by consistent and appropriate use of the research literature



    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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