LearningPool Live Wales

Part 2 of what happens when 3 Learning professionals get together and develop an idea from Sheffield.  This week we took 2 elements of our scribbles  and expanded on them using a Venn diagram.  Now I am not one for being all technical do far as L&D speak is concerned, but we came up with some very interesting links and uses for mobile learning technology.

Picture one shows TEXT (as in Mobile SMS) can be linked by Cultural, Technical and Pedagogy. We can see from a Cultural perspective, a whole new language has grown up around SMS, with many people around the globe using and conversing using the same abbreviations.  This means that cross cultural learning possibilities are endless.  From a technological perspective, the convenience at which group SMS can be sent out in one hit makes linking group learners messages from the tutor simple.

We then moved on to AR, (Augmented Reality) completely at the other end of the spectrum.  As you can see the circles are not as full as previously, however we did make some interesting associations - such as the skills required to create the 'app' in the first place would be completely out of the pocket range for most companies today.  Also, the legal and ethical aspect of using AR from a cultural perspective without the individual knowing about it - hidden technology...  Unfortunately we didn't get as much time as we would have wished to continue the conversation, suffice to say it gave everyone food for thought.  

My own personal thoughts on using mobile technology for learning include why limit thinking to what we know we can do today, why not push the boundaries and come up with ideas on how we want to use the technology at our fingertips and let the developers come up with something for us.

One thing I would say is:

• Mobile learning can only get better
• It is in our pockets (or handbags) all the time
• We use it to find 'stuff' when we need it
• We can connect to our #PLN (Personal Learning Network) whenever and wherever we are
• There is always someone out there who can help you
• Age is not a barrier
• You are Not in a Classroom

Well, that was a bit more than one thing, but what I guess I am trying to get cross is that learning at your fingertips, anywhere, anytime anydevice is a wonderful thing - its magic - just like the people who put it all together for us.

For a lovely blog about mobile learning check out Steve Wheelers Learning with E's