Blackboard Mobile Learn Application

Blackboard Mobile app is becoming more and more popular and in demand as more and more universities such as Brunel University, Imperial College London, University of Liverpool are enabled for this particular app. Sadly, University of Greenwich is not one of the Universities' that is eligible for this app however you can still "view demo" to get a taste of the app.

This app supports Android, iOs, RIM, fit for I pads, palms etc.

This is one amazing app as I had the chance to experience it myself from my sister's phone as her University is enabled to use this app.

If your university is eligible for this app this is a MUST - HAVE application. This will inform you about everything you need to know about your course, your grades, discussion boards etc.

Features:

How to download for Android:

Resources: http://www.blackboard.com/resources/mobile/mobile_learn_splash/desktop/portal-nonsprint.html#android

On-line Questionnaire Results

On my previous blog, I posted an on-line questionnaire and after sending it to some people randomly from a social networking site (Facebook) , I have gathered some results.

It is evident from the results that 100% of who did the questionnaire do know have a rough idea of what Mobile Technology is.

Now, this proves that 99% of students own some sort of Mobile Technology.

 It is evident that the majority of students own Smartphone (69%), Laptop (24%) and the least owned is Tablets with only 4% but however 3% of students own all the 3 mobile devices.

 This pie chart shows that majority of the students in higher education do own at least 2 or more mobile devices for various purposes. 

 This shows that about almost half of the students (45%) use their Mobile devices for social purposes and only 24% of students use it for learning purposes.

No surprise to this question as most students are aware that Mobile Technologies are used in the education systems of today.

By the result of this question, all the students (99%)  are keen and open to further development of Mobile Technologies and the uses of it if the universities agree to fund more on this particular area.

79% of students do wish to experience virtual learning i.e. virtual lecture although 17% were not sure.

This questionnaire might be a little biased as 83% of female and 17% of male have filled this questionnaire.

As this questionnaire is designed for students in higher education , this pie chart shows a clear demographic of the age population.

QR codes for learning!

I have discovered this very recently, I mean who would have thought using QR codes for learning purposes.
If you read my blog further, I have explained how to use them and even generate your own QR code. It is easy and FREE!

Using Quick Response Code for learning 

Quick Response Codes (QR )are two-dimensional barcode that can be read using Smartphones and other QR reading devices that link directly to text, emails, websites, documents i.e. Power Point  excel, PDF files, phone numbers etc.

QR codes were invented in the 1940s and are hugely popular in Japan for the past few years. It has now, taken over the western part of the world as there isn't a place without a sight of QR codes. It is literally everywhere; business cards, buildings, coffee shops, supermarkets etc.  Although, it much more used in marketing and advertising products, I personally think, as students, we can take advantage and use it for learning purposes.

QR codes can and is a fun and interactive way of learning anywhere, any time for anyone who owns any type of mobile technology i.e. Smartphones, Tablets, I pads Laptops etc...

How to get started with QR codes for learning purposes? It is FREE!

   Download App “i-nigma” – this is suitable for iOs, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry. Once you download it,  you can scan any QR codes anywhere. To Scan QR codes, click on the app and get ready to scan, bear in mind that the entire code should be visible. Once you have done it correctly the Q-reader will open documents/ URLs automatically.

    One of the easiest and fastest ways to get access and share information anything ranging from YouTube Videos, Power Point presentation or even your assignments is to create your own QR Code. I will demonstrate few examples.

How to generate your own QR code (Click any of the following):

1. http://www.qrstuff.com/

2.   http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

3.   http://quikqr.com/

Example 1:  QR code for University of Greenwich

For this example I have chosen no.2 (you can choose any), click on the link, simply copy paste the URL of Greenwich uni on the given box then, click generate.

Scan the QR code and on your Phone or any device you have it will directly open to University of Greenwich website.

Example 2: Document of CFA course booklet

For any sort of documents (i.e. Microsoft word, Excel, Power Point  Open documents, images etc ) you would have to go to http://www.tagmydoc.com/, upload your document on the search box and there you will have your QR code. Simple as that. You can tag, share or send it to your friends.

Scan the above QR to view the CFA Course booklet

These are just 2 ways of using QR code for learning purposes out of million ways as innovative ideas are generated everyday for many purposes.  You can also use the app to review books as you can find QR codes pasted inside covers of certain books and explore more data types i.e.  Google maps locations, contact details etc but you would have to go on this website èQRStuff.com as it supports the following data types. You can also play audio (make your own), Speak Text, email, update twitter and many more. The QR code is your oyster. J

Resources ( Scan to find out ) :

Definition, pros & cons of mobile learning and more

I have found some real informative and interesting videos on Mobile Learning.
All 3 YouTube videos are very short (no more than 4 mins) and very informative as I have mentioned. It tells you briefly about what Mobile Learning is, their pros and cons and also few information on Mobile learning apps. This tells you everything you need to know about Mobile Learning and more.
At the bottom of the video, I have very briefly summarized so if they interest you, please do take some time to view it.

This video summarizes the definition, the advantages for students using Mobile devices for learning.

Definition of Mobile Learning from the video:  The ability to learn independently of any time or place using mobile devices. It is also about the mobility and the flexibility of the users.

Advantages of Mobile Learning from the video above

This video explains the uses of mobile applications for learning and the importance of using mobile devices and some real life examples of Mobile learning being implemented in some universities in Australia.

Case study 1 : Curtin Mobile - watch from 1.58

Case study 2: Blackboard Mobile Learn - watch from 2.20

Mobile learning application uses from the video:

1. Lectures

2. Readings (e-books)

3. Class forums

4. Quizzes

5. Video Logs

6. Resource Management 

7. Interactivity

8. Personalisation 

This last video summarises Pros and Cons of Mobile Learning.

Resources: YouTube channel =  mlearning4Me

Mobile Technology Questionnaire

I have created an on-line questionnaire from Google docs to get a general opinion on Mobile Technology in education which I have designed for students in Higher Education to fill.
I have embed the questionnaire below, feel free to fill it in as it will only take you about a minute to do so.
After a week or so I will be posting the results and analysing them on my next posts.

Mobile Technology?

I am a student at Greenwich University and as a part of an assessment, I have to do a blog on a particular topic hence I have chosen to do on Mobile Learning. The objectives of this blog is to try promote and raise awareness of Mobile learning to anyone who is interested in Mobile learning. I will also give some advice/tips on uses of Mobile devices to your advantage for learning purposes and more. Please follow my blog to find out more.

Mobile Technology has revolutionised the education system in terms of gaining access and sharing knowledge. There are numerous things to consider when it comes to Mobile Technology for example;  

• What is Mobile Technology
• Hardware & Software of Mobile Technology
• Pros & Cons of Mobile Technology for learning

Here are some pictures of popular and widely used devices for mobile technology in general

IPhone, Macbook Pro, IPad

SmartPhones

Ultrabook

Laptops

GPS device

Tablets

Resources:
http://www.pelinks4u.org/articles/beagleHodges0209.htm