Mobile Learning Blog

Creating course content for mobile delivery (30 min)

There are many different options for creating content for mobile delivery, and most of those option don’t require doing any more than what you might currently be doing. For instance, if you already make videos, audio recording, pictures and text as part of your multi-media lesson, all of these items can easily be provided in mobile format by simply using a blog. Above I showed you how I use WordPress to create mobile content, and in this activity we will get a little taste of how easy it is to use.

• Participants will join a WordPress blog to play in.  Appropriate plugins needed to make the blog mobile accessible are already installed, and they will experiment with uploading different kinds of content to the blog: video, audio, text, quizzes, forms.
• Go to ZonaFun.com. Log-in and create some posts.
  • Group A: Add a Post with a Photo and Text. Right click on the photo to the right to download the photo. Use this photo in your post.
  • Group B: Add a Post with a YouTube video. Click here to get the embed code. <–My student made this video. Or find your own video.
  • Group C: Add a Post with Audio. Paste this audio link into your post: http://eng102online.com/podcasts/eng102m4w13s11.mp3 and add a hyperlink to it.
  • Group D: Add a Post with an embedded Google form. Go to: http://goo.gl/Lp4Hk . Click on Form on the top menu bar. Scroll down to Embed Form in a Webpage. Grab the code and paste it in your post.
• View your blog on your mobile device. Go to http://zonafun.com

When creating content for mobile learning, organization is key. Accessing the content on a mobile device will be limited and having clear categories and tags will help. Also consider pages for content, as well as posts.

Alternatives Ways to Create Mobile Content:

• Mobl21.com: Experience Mobl21 for Yourself
• iTunes U:  Using iTunes U to Create and Distribute Content for Mobile Delivery

REFLECTION: Respond via Cell Phone Using Google Voice: Answer the following question by calling (602) 466-7097 or click the Call Me button below.

Questions: What would be the most challenging part of your course to adapt to mobile learning or what would be the easiest?

After the workshop, check back to listen to your response. They will be posted on the Reflection Responses page.

Accessing course content Using Apps (40 min)

• Participants will view a demonstration of the Blackboard Mobile Learn App which allows students to access course content in Blackboard on their mobile device. This technology is currently being piloted at the Maricopa Community Colleges.
  • To learn more about the Blackboard Mobile Learn App visit the following sites:
    • Blackboard site on the Mobile Learn App
    • iEAR Review of the Blackboard Mobile Learn App

• Participants will search, download and install apps for their smart phones or iPod Touches. They will explore how each app provides access to different types of course content. Apps include ereaders, CMS access, homework trackers, Web 2.0 apps for Facebook, Twitter, Animoto, UstreamTV, YouTube, Google, Skype, Evernote and various blogs.
  • iPhone/iPod Apps from Apple iTunes Store. You can search online, via iTunes, or on the device (App Store).
  • Android Apps from Android Market. You can search online for education apps or all android apps or you can search directly on the device (Market).
  • Blackberry apps from Blackberry App World. You can search online or on the device (App World).
• Top iPod Touch Apps for Education
• I Education Apps Review (IEAR)

Participate in a survey: Share a new app you learned about today. To participate:

• Text 54644 and your message to 37607, or
• Tweet @poll 54644 and your message, or
• Go to http://poll4.com from your mobile device and type 54644 and your message in the box.
• If you don’t have a mobile device, visit: http://www.polleverywhere.com/free_text_polls/LTE5Njc0NTkyMDQ/web

Engaging students in course content (35 min)

Participants will actively participate as students in class activities using iPads and their apps.

Activity 1: Research, background information, and interview

Step 1. Using one of the news service apps, ie. CNN, USA Today, BBC, etc find a current event that has to do with your subject matter.

Step 2. In groups of 2, share your news article with your partner. The person reading the article will gather information and write down 2-3 questions they have about the article, topic, etc.

Step 3. Using the sound recorder app, conduct an interview of your partner, asking questions about the article, topic, etc.

Next steps. Share possible next steps that students could do with this activity.

Activity 2: Finding resources

Often we find it difficult to vet the numerous resources that are available to us through the Internet and apps. One of the things that we can do is have students find, share and critically review resources that could be used in class.

Step 1. Using the YouTube app on the iPads, search for a video that may be applicable to your instruction. Review the video and evaluate it to determine if you think it could be viable as a learning resource for your students.

Step 2. Think about how you might use the resource, would it be used in class or would you have students access it via a mobile device? What do you think the benefits could be to having students evaluate the resources? What could be some challenges? Share the YouTube video and its possible use with your partner.