Developing an Effective Mobile Learning Environment

Students at the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management are using technology to take the classroom with them.  During the first phase of a project to advance the process of mobile learning, students were given PDAs (personal digital assistants) which have been loaded with important class information such as syllabi and lectures.

The primary objectives of this study are to establish an effective mobile learning environment (MLE), build upon current knowledge, and to explore additional applications of technology.

“Traditional lectures are being recorded using the PowerPoint voice over function and then developed into media presentations using other software,” said Eric Brey, Assistant Professor and AT&T Fellow at the Kemmons Wilson School.  “In another case, an industry executive is recorded live using a camcorder, simulating a classroom guest speaker.”

However, the PDAs are only the first step.  Eventually, the bulk of a class will be moved into an environment where Blackberry’s or iPhones can be used exclusively.

Beginning in 2008, the Kemmons Wilson School will feature a truly smart classroom where groups of students will have a laptop at their table and the instructor can project material they are working on to the remaining laptops or through a projection unit.  The project will create a learner-centric class environment where students will have to collaborate throughout the class rather than a standard instructor-centric class structure.

The AT&T Fellows Program was started with a $200,000 grant from AT&T, and is funding the mobile learning project.

Researchers involved with the project are Eric Brey (ericbrey@memphis.edu), Sandy Schaeffer, director of the Advanced Learning Center and Joanne Gikas, academic technology consultant at the Advanced Learning Center.

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