Supporting mobile teaching and learning at CUHK

Principal Supervisor

Professor Paul Lam, Centre for Learning Enhancement And Research
Duration

3 years
Approved Budget

HK $750,000
 
  • Project Objectives
  • Key deliverables expected
  • Evaluation of deliverables/outcomes
  • Dissemination of deliverables/outcomes

Project Objectives

The proposed project is an extension of the Mobile Learning @ CUHK project funded by TDG in 2009-2012. The previous project has made considerable achievements. We would like to take this opportunity to further consolidate our work as well as to explore into new areas that are now made possible because of the latest advancement in mobile technologies and infrastructure. The deliverables will include: (i) for technology, development and consolidation of various mobile learning solutions which are then offered to all teachers and students in the University; (ii) for pedagogy, provision of ideas and resources that teachers can readily use the technologies for various effective teaching and learning activities; and (iii) as for support, active dissemination of the mobile learning technology and pedagogy to fellow teachers and students as well as provision of appropriate consultation and evaluation on a case-by-case basis.

Key deliverables expected and timelines for completion

The project will continue to investigate mobile learning solutions in the following areas. All solutions are targeted at campus-wide deployment.

  • uReply phase 2: reusable question banks for individual teachers would be the key feature in the second version of the student response system.
  • uDraw: a classroom communication system for editing and exchanges of graphics on tablets or notebook computers.
  • uMeet: video conferencing solution that can be useful in a classroom setting to connect learners in multiple classrooms or to connect learners to workers or professionals in the field.
  • eBooks phase 2: take a step further and introduce interactivity into the eBooks we produced through linking exercises on eBooks to CU eLearning System or to uReply.
  • Near field communication (NFC): We would explore and support teachers to use NFC in various ways. For example, NFCs can help to disseminate further information to users’ mobile devices in locations such as libraries, and departmental information boards.
  • Sensor-based applications: functionalities of mobile devices can be greatly extended through coupling with sensor-type hardware such as temperature, or pressure sensitive devices.
  • Mobile device lending service: we will purchase a stock of tablets to lend to teachers who would like to make sure they have adequate amount of mobile devices in class.

Arrangements for evaluation of project deliverables/outcomes

We will conduct evaluation to investigate usefulness of the various mobile learning strategies and their contributions to University teaching and learning. Upon request and if resources allow, we will also conduct case studies with teachers who are interested in understanding the outcomes of their innovations.

Means for disseminating project deliverables/outcomes

The project will work on the diffusion of mLearning strategies and fostering of organizational change. The project would strengthen the diffusion of the various mobile learning strategies to teachers through workshops, promotional activities, participation in Expo, individual consultations and cooperating with teachers or departments in joint projects.