Slide 1: We b To o ls : Ne tw o rk Le a rn in g – Th e Po c k e t Gu id e
Affordable, powerful small devices are becoming serious tools for learning in the ‘classroom’, elsewhere on campus and beyond. Convergence of functionality in these devices, coupled with the proliferation of open source software and internet connectivity via wireless or mobile telephone networks is turning them into a ‘learning multi-tool’ in the pocket of every student. Technology is being used effectively for network learning in the lecture and seminar setting here at The University of Sheffield. Students show the ability to quickly assimilate new technologies into their learning process. So for the Net Generation used to Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, YouTube, etc. the use of such cheap technologies to enhance learning seems inevitably destined to go mainstream.
With built-in quality cameras, mics and speakers, wireless enabled convergent technology devices, including the Nokia N95 smart phone and Asus EeePC (Ultra Mobile PC), lend themselves to multiple uses in the network learning environment. They give quick and easy access to web resources and facilitate communication for collaborative learning. Established web 2.0 and newly emerging software could be used innovatively by students for networked learning, including: • use of automatic uploading to the web of images (copy-cam in your pocket), • live video-streaming (camcorder in your pocket), • micro-blogging, • video podcasts, • and Skype from mobile camera phones and • quick links to Google Docs and iGoogle, • Skype coming preinstalled on the EeePC allowing collaborative working.
Mark J Morley CiCS The University of Sheffield Contact: m.morley@sheffield.ac.uk +44 114 222 3017
