Introduction
Learning with mobile devices (mLearning) is now recognized as a subset of eLearning and provides another flexible delivery option for our students. In an effort to take the first step in establishing an mLearning base, Auckland University of Technology (AUT) developed StudyTXT. It is an innovative use of an existing technology.
StudyTXT is a mobile phone based short message service (SMS) using a pull system. Students order text messages from a central database and receive them on their mobile phones to store, review and swap. To our knowledge, it is the first use of pull SMS for education in the world. SMS in education to date has focused on push models where lecturers send out group messages relating to study and the pastoral care of their students. This is an effective tool, however the institution incurs costs.
A pull system, where the student decides on what they download, uses the same model as ordering a ring tone or screen wallpaper for their mobile. Students are familiar with these services. The StudyTXT system is currently offered free to other interested institutions, thus decreasing barriers to its uptake, although it has to be stressed that it is a user-pays systems, and does impose a cost on their students. Currently eight tertiary institutions are using StudyTXT in New Zealand and a secondary school trial is now underway.
iPods and PDAs are recognised as part of the mLearning mix, but mobile phones were chosen as the first entry point as almost every student has one. As mLearning technology converges, we look forward to an affordable iPod and PDA device with mobile phone connectivity. To complement the mobile options, audio and video tracks are also made available to students for free, to download to their computer, and then transfer to their iPod or mobile phones via a USB cable or Bluetooth.
Video credit to TV3 News, NZ
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First published on Oct 04, 2006. Content last updated on Oct 10, 2006.
