Handheld Learning - learning with mobile and ubiquitous technologies

Dear Grouchal (Al),

You pose some interesting questions regarding the iPod Touch/iPhone platform (iPlatform) and education.  Let me give you my perspectives on the following questions from the perspetive of a researcher who uses both the iPod Touch and iPhone on a daily basis.  For the sake of brevity I will not go into details, but rather share some thoughts and highlight certain subjects and the applications I believe would address the questions you are posing.

Your questions:

How could a particular subject become more engaging [with the iPod Touch / iPhone] ?

Music Theory =  Karajan and Karajan Beginner
install the Karajan Beginner (free version) on your iPhone or iPod Touch and you will experience for yourself that "music theory" becomes more engaging.  This is a wonderful program to develop ear training and has fabulous reviews from music teachers.

Also, there are many program for Language Training applications available, but personally I would just pick up my iPhone and call a friend whom I could practice my target language with.  From this perspective the "killer-app" is the communication afforded by the mobile phone function of the iPhone.


How could the trickiest part of a subject become more engaging?

Regarding "Anatomy Instruction" Modality, Inc. offers several flash card applications based on the illustrations of Frank Netter.  These applications literally allow one to touch the illustraitons and highlight the anatomic structures with ones own finger.  This is definitely more "engaging" physically than using a mouse cursor and clicking a button or turning a page in a book.  So, to answer this question the tricky part in anatomy instruction is getting learners to get a feel for a 3D subject (like anatomy) and this iPlatform fits the bill. Touch/Flash cards!


How could students be better supported outside of the classroom?
This question is self-explanatory.  The iPhone or iPod Touch are mobile devices and can be used in many learning contexts outside of the classroom.  The iPhone or iPod Touch extends formal and informal learning to anywhere, anytime and also "Just-in-time" learning scenarios.  The difference with the iPlatform now is the emphasis on "Location-based" services which fit well into location based / contextual learning scenarios.

If you had the chance to put some interactive exercises or tuition in front of students when they were sat on the sofa or in another social situation - what would it be?

I would encourage my students to engage in " interactive exercises or tuition " while on their daily commute to school or when they feel inspired or moved to do so when socializing/communing with their peers. These devices are handheld and portable tools and can be used anywhere.  Students should be encouraged to use these tools as mutli-modal information and learning support devices.  Call up a friend (expert) on your iPhone if you have a question.  Fact check something quickly on Wikipedia.  Use an application suited to learning (practicing) a certain subject.  Keep abreast of any subject through RSS and use your e-mail as an information delivery point.  Business people use their Blackberry-like devices to keep informed and on top of the game, why can't students do the same for their own personal education!?

The beauty of the iPlatform for education is its human centered approach.  Apple has developed  a truly intuitive interface which makes using the internet (on a mobile basis) easier for  people.  With the ease of use comes increased usage and uptake for various reasons, including education.  Individually we use our iPods / iPhone in different ways to accomplish our personal learning goals.  The strength of the iPlatform is that it is fairly dynamic and can accommodate to many learning styles (including kinethetic learners)!

Just a few thoughts for the questions your posed.

Cheers.

mark

OK Mark before you answer - I have just noticed your daily commute - so perhaps before you answer - I should point out that maybe you are not the average user!