Archive for January 2007
IADIS Mobile Learning 2007: Call for Papers

IADIS Mobile Learning 2007: Call for Papers

6:56 AM Add Comment

IADIS Mobile Learning 2007: Call for Papers


Topics:

  • What is Mobile Learning?
  • How to Enhance the Experience without Interfering With It?
  • Affective Factors in Learning with Mobile Devices
  • How Can We Address the Conflicts between Personal Informal Learning and Traditional Classroom Education?
  • Evaluating Mobile Learning: What are Appropriate Methods for Evaluating in Mobile Environments?
  • How Should Learning Activities Using Mobile Technologies be Designed to Support Innovative Educational Practice?
  • How Can We Integrate Mobile Devices with Broader Educational Scenarios?

Types:

  • Full Papers � These include mainly accomplished research results and have 8 pages at the maximum (5,000 words).
  • Short Papers � These are mostly composed of work in progress reports or fresh developments and have 4 pages at maximum (2,500 words).
  • Reflection Papers � These might review recent research literature pertaining to a particular problem or approach, indicate what the findings suggest, and/or provide a suggestion - with rationale and justification - for a different approach or perspective on that problem. Reflection papers might also analyze general trends or discuss important issues in topics related to Mobile Learning. These have 4 pages at maximum (2,500 words).
  • Posters / Demonstrations � These have one page at the maximum (625 words) besides the poster itself (or demonstration) that will be exposed at the conference.
  • Tutorials � Tutorials can be proposed by scholars or company representatives. A proposal of maximum 250 words is expected.
  • Panels � Discussions on selected topics will be held. A proposal of maximum 250 words is expected.
  • Invited Talks � These will be made of contributions from well-known scholars and company representatives. An abstract will be included in the conference proceedings.
  • Doctoral Consortium - A Doctoral Consortium will discuss in group, individual projects and on going work of PhD students. Prospective students should send a report of their PhD projects and work so far with a maximum of 4 pages (2,500 words).
  • Corporate Showcases & Exhibitions � The former enables Companies to present recent developments and applications, inform a large and qualified audience of your future directions and showcase company�s noteworthy products and services. There will be a time slot for companies to make their presentation in a room. The latter enables companies the opportunity to display its latest offerings of hardware, software, tools, services and books, through an exhibit booth.

For further details please contact the publicity chair - ml-sec@iadis.org.


Important Information:

  • Submission Deadline: 26 February 2007
  • Notification to Authors: until 27 April 2007
  • Final Camera-Ready Submission and Early Registration: Until 18 May 2007
  • Late Registration (first call): After 18 May 2007
  • Conference: Lisbon - Portugal, 5 to 7 July 2007



Corporate eLearning Strategies and Development: Paper-based Learning - DIY Job Aids

Corporate eLearning Strategies and Development: Paper-based Learning - DIY Job Aids

10:31 AM Add Comment
Finally, some practical thought.. In Corporate eLearning Strategies and Development: Paper-based Learning - DIY Job Aids Brent takes a realistic look that sometimes good old paper based job aids and gives us some good tools.

This is a sore spot for me as I try to sell including a 'paper based' take-away item in a training I'm designing. The overall training program is a highly interactive system training that includes videos, help systems, 'test-out' options, and practice environments. We've discovered a need for an easy 'take away' cheat sheet (something that can be attached to a monitor) so people can be reminded what menu to use for top tasks..

Many are so wanting virtual only training, that even the thought of a small reminder job aid to help during the transition is shot down.

Never underestimate the power of the tangible item in your learner's hands.



Wikis at Work

Wikis at Work

8:12 AM Add Comment
This article, Wikis at Work from Dice.com, asks us, could wikis work for you (at your workplace)?
This is something I've been considering and looking for an opportunity to implement for a while.

Here are some snips from the article:

While chaos would seem to reign with wikis, workers � and especially technology workers, including developers, project managers, QA, and product managers � often prize wikis as a way to keep projects quickly and easily organized. Various organizations, including British Telecom, Disney, Motorola, Texas Instruments, and Yahoo!, have adopted wikis for their IT project teams...

Why use a wiki? According to Vanessa DiMauro, a principal at Leader Networks and an expert in online communities and social networking, wikis excel at uniting geographically dispersed project teams, �connecting project management and senior technical staffs with clients and project managers,� and sharing non-static, internal company information, including �prospecting lists, user manuals, and employee directories.� ...

Wikis differ from other collaborative tools � including groupware, e-mail, online communities, instant messaging, intranets, and Microsoft�s Groove and SharePoint � because they allow information to be shared and retrieved in a free-form yet user-structured manner.


Read the entire article here:


I plan to begin a log here into our deciding on and building a wiki collaboration platform here at my work. I am also planning to work on ways to publish and retrieve the contents through mobile devices, truly fusing mLearning and Web 2.0.

Two Scripts to Detect Mobile Browsers

9:49 AM Add Comment
When writing mLearning content, sometimes it is good to have a single URL that all your participants can access. The following are two scripts that you can add into the head content of your page that will detect a mobile browser and automatically redirect your users to a 'mobile friendly' version of your site.

_____________________________________________

Script #1

In this script, change the $location attribute to the page you want your users to see if they are using one of the mobile devices listed in the if(stristr.. string.
____________________________________________________


Script #2


This is a simpler script to detect Windows CE browsers (although you can detect any browser with this script.) Simply change the window.location URL to your mobile friendly site.


____________________________________________________




In both of these cases, I'm redirecting the site to the mobile version of this site- http://www.2mlearn.mobi/


I will be adding this script to http://www.mlearning-world.com/ in the next few days
to help all our visitors with mobile devices.



The Generation Y Stigma

The Generation Y Stigma

8:13 AM Add Comment
CertMag.com The Generation Y Stigma

As the first generation to use the Internet in a more productive form, communicate through cellular phones, text messaging and instant messaging adamantly, and bring digital cameras everywhere�all from an early age�generation Y is the most technologically adept yet technology dependent groups to enter the workforce thus far. Although that is very true, generation Y has somehow earned a stigma during the past few years... Read the rest here:

The iPhone will NOT start a mLearning revolution!

10:46 PM Add Comment
A revolution or a revelation?

A lot of eLearning blogs have touted the new iPhone as the beginning of the mLearning revolution.

It is true, the iPhone represents a beautiful and powerful package that could be used for mLearning. From a quality browser, to decent memory & podcasting, the iPhone does bring us closer to the ideal mLearning platform.




The hoopla around the iPhone reminds me, in no small part, to every mLearning conference I've attended over the past five years. From more powerful PDAs, the $100 laptop, the iPod, to SmartPhones, every speaker has always touted the upcoming mLearning revolution.

Generally, these speeches have included disclaimers about the roadblocks to this 'revolution'. Be it battery life, screen size, non standardized devices, or technology adoption, there was always something that prevented the revolution from happening now.

In the past, I have discussed how the mLearning revolution is already happening, only it has, like it's generation's (X) early adopters, rebelled against being labeled.

So what will cause a true mLearning revolution?
In my opinion, the answer doesn't lie in the next groundbreaking device but in our attitude towards learning. We are failing because we are waiting for the next technology or the next breakthrough to help us reach our students better. This is like the proverbial not seeing the forest through the trees.

The change in attitude must come not from waiting or wishing for the next technology breakthrough but in understanding our learner's current situation and adapting to that.

According to a 2006 article in Telecommunications Online, 30 Countries Passed 100% Mobile Phone Penetration in Q1 06. It is staggering to think the population throughout the world that has mLearning devices already in their hands, yet we as eLearning experts are still waiting for the next breakthrough.

It is always tempting to 'think big' with grandiose plans in an ideal world of fully immersive eLearning content being made mobile. While we are 'thinking big', the revolution is marching past us in small steps.

Will you be left behind while you wait for the future?

Challenge:




Learning for the new society by Dr. David Metcalf

Learning for the new society by Dr. David Metcalf

10:40 PM Add Comment
This is a great mLearning presentation by David Metcalf: Learning for the new society

Synopsis-

The way that we live, work, play, and learn is being impacted by the increasing mobility of our society. As educators and learning innovators, it is our responsibility to design for the needs of our changing audience. In this session we�ll examine key trends, design techniques, and technologies that are fast emerging to meet the challenges and changes of today and tomorrow.

How do we design for stolen moments of learning, rather than entire classes? We�ll explore worldclass examples of mobile learning (mLearning) from academia, government, and industry. Learn how to stretch the boundaries of learning technology to include not just eLearning, but mLearning.


Note: David's presentation doesn't start until 14 minutes into the presentation.

From Tracy and Matt's Blog - Apple iPhone

From Tracy and Matt's Blog - Apple iPhone

11:54 PM Add Comment
IMHO, I still won't touch it if the service is from Cingular! I wish Apple made a better partnership or offered a CDMA version.


Tracy and Matt's Blog - Apple iPhone announced at Macworld


Apple iPhone announced at Macworld

January 9th, 2007

After months (perhaps years!) of speculation Steve Jobs finally and officially announced the Apple iPhone during his speech at
Macworld.



Apple iPhone

"iPhone combines three products � a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and a breakthrough Internet communications device with desktop-class email, web browsing, maps, and searching � into one
small and lightweight handheld device. iPhone also introduces an entirely new user interface based on a large multi-touch display and pioneering new software, letting you control everything with just your fingers. So it ushers in an era of
software power and sophistication never before seen in a mobile device, completely redefining what you can do on a mobile phone."

Apple iPhone Specifications

  • Screen size 3.5 inches

  • Screen resolution 320 by 480 at 160 ppi

  • Input method Multi-touch

  • Operating system OS X

  • Storage 4GB or 8GB

  • GSM Quad-band (MHz: 850, 900, 1800, 1900)

  • Wireless data Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) + EDGE + Bluetooth 2.0

  • Camera 2.0 megapixels

  • Battery Up to 5 hours Talk / Video / Browsing

  • Up to 16 hours Audio playback

  • Dimensions 4.5 x 2.4 x 0.46 inches / 115 x 61 x 11.6mm

  • Weight 4.8 ounces / 135 grams



    • iPhone

    Specs are also said to include touchscreen display with multi-touch support and a proximity sensor to turn off the sensor when it's close to your face, WiFi that automatically engages when in range, and quadband GSM radio with EDGE. A
    partnership with Yahoo will allow all iPhone customers to hook up with free push IMAP email.

    Said to be selling in the US as a Cingular exclusive for $499 on a two-year contract, 8GB for $599. Ships Stateside in June, Europe in fourth quarter, Asia in 2008.


    Check out the full details on engadget or the official iPhone site.



    Life Tools- Power & Time

    Life Tools- Power & Time

    10:11 PM Add Comment
    This provided a good life lesson on balance and priority of power from a Masonic newsletter I received today: (this is unlrelated to design)

    ...The Twenty-four-inch gauge is an instrument used by operative Masons to measure and lay out their work, but in speculative Freemasonry we are taught by its symbolism to divide our time into three equal parts, whereby are found eight hours for refreshment and sleep, eight for our usual vocations and eight for the service of God and humanity. There is an object in view and an end to be attained. It is, therefore, a symbol of purpose.


    Power is the ability to act so as to produce change land cause event. Purpose is the idea or object kept before the mind as an end of effort or action....

    Power directed by a good purpose is constructive, and results in achievement. It keeps the cars on the tracks and the wires in the air, it turns the wheels of man's industry and carries the commerce of continents as upon a mighty shoulder...

    The lesson is definite and practical. The twenty-four- inch gauge and the common gavel speak to every Mason the language of constructive purpose land personal power. They mean that a Mason should cherish his ideals, the beauty that forms in the mind, the music that stirs in his heart, the glory that drapes his purest purpose, for out of these things he has the power to build for himself la new world in which to live.



    From THE SHORT TALK BULLETIN The Masonic Service Association of the United States VOL. 6 April 1928 NO. 4


    The Tao of Design

    The Tao of Design

    10:26 PM Add Comment
    The Learning Circuits Blog: once again challenges us with a Big Question Quality vs. Speed




    What are the trade offs between quality learning programs and rapid e-learning and how do you decide?





    For this big question, I want to look beyond the rapid eLearning tools and more into overall design philosophy.

    In all professions, the question of quality versus speed seems to be on everyone's mind. I remember several years ago in a focus group of customer service reps I was challenged with the question of how do they balance the quality of their contact with customers with the amount of calls they are expected to take.

    The reps were under the false impression that to provide quality service, they would have to spend more time on each call. As we demonstrated with L3 studies of the customer service course we ultimately developed, proper quality can result in greater speed.


    I should emphasize at this point the words proper quality and differentiate that from quantity. As developers, we often are asked to include as much quantity in a program as possible as to improve quality.

    For example, in a project I'm currently working on, one of the constant requests is to include more 'adult learning principles' and more 'highlights' in some application demonstrations.

    When you look at a program page by page, it is easy to get lost in all the quantity of possibility. Including all of the elements some believe make a program 'quality' at every point you are told by textbooks may seem to result in a perfect course in the eyes of learning theory, but what does it really give your learner?

    In striving for quality, as measured solely by quantity, you run the risk of reaching the point known as data asphyxiation. Data asphyxiation is simply providing your learners so much information and so many 'quality' elements that they reach a saturation point. The ultimate quality course you think you've developed has simply drowned your learners in more information than even Steven Hawkin could handle.



    Your 'Quality' course now is both too long and not informative.

    So where does the balance of Quality and Speed come from? How can you produce a course that is fast to develop, fast to take, and yet provides the quality of content that 'sticks'?

    There are a few points to look at when creating a quality course quickly.

    1. How much time are you spending on the 'raw' development? I remember when our team used to work from Dreamweaver with home grown eLearning templates. We would factor in almost as much time in the raw development period than we did researching and storyboarding. By using a rapid eLearning tool, you can shift a lot of your time away from the course development and focus on the quality of content.

    2. What do your learners already know? Sure, it may be good to explain all the unusual terms they would find in their job, but are these terms familiar to them already? Instead of having page upon page describing these terms, include a glossary if having these terms defined is absolutely necessary.

    3. Focus on Where not How. If you are teaching a billing system that has hundreds of transactions, there is no way that your students will remember each and every transaction. If, however, there your students have an on-demand reference system with the instructions, focus on where to find the steps to complete each transaction, not how to process each one.

    4. Let your student browse. In training a system, for example, It is easy to get caught up describing each and every field and button with highlights and arrows. When you are developing a course, this may even seem like the perfect way to train, but what does your student see? Cut back on highlighting every point and instead allow your students the opportunity to explore and discover on their own.

    Quality doesn't always come from quantity. Sometimes a 'rapid' course can have more sticking power than a course full of every 'textbook' quality example.


    Quick and Easy Publishing of iPod Content with MogoPop

    Quick and Easy Publishing of iPod Content with MogoPop

    1:21 AM Add Comment
    Thanks for Brent with Corporate eLearning and Development for pointing us to this tool:


    MogoPop offers a FREE and fast way to publish and download content to iPods. MogoPop offers free accounts with 50MB of multi media storage and unlimited downloads of your content.

    One of the big advantages of MogoPop is it rolls your video, audio, pictures and text into a single piece of iPod content. This allows for quick development of educational content for the iPod.


    This week I will create some content on MogoPop and provide some more feedback as to it's quality and function.
    Apple and Cingular Team Up on new iPod Phone

    Apple and Cingular Team Up on new iPod Phone

    10:05 PM Add Comment
    Leaked tonite for tomorrow's Wall Street Journal. One of Apple's big announcements tomorrow will be the partnership with Cingular to market a iPod phone. While I love Apple, I hate Cingular.

    Frankly, the service difference won't sell me on this unless it is worth having the phone without service or if it is offered as a multi-mode phone that will work on CDMA networks.
    The Learning Circuits Blog: 20% of most groups of students are mentally dropped out

    The Learning Circuits Blog: 20% of most groups of students are mentally dropped out

    9:09 AM Add Comment
    Learning Circuits challengs us with: The Learning Circuits Blog: 20% of most groups of students are mentally dropped out

    While we may argue percents, there is little doubt that if you walk into any classroom today, you will generally see students mentally somewhere else.

    Is this the fault of students- often attributed to ADD or some other illness? Or, is this the fault of educators and developers who still apply 'baby boomer' educational styles to newer generations?

    Imagine what will happen when the toddlers today, who are now overwhelmed with learning devices like LeapFrog hit the workforce. What will happen if we continue to teach 'baby boomer' style?
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