The Network Sense

Mobile learning is just the latest step in the integration of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) with traditional classroom learning. Building on the benefits of the introduction of (a) computer labs and (b) web-based learning managements systems, mobile learning extends these benefits beyond the computer and allows the student to study anywhere. Mobility will be the tipping point where education is dramatically re-structured around the needs of students. This leads to our core vision at Praxis Language that:

Students should not have to adapt to learning, instead learning systems should adapt to students - that is, learning on your terms.

Changing Role of the Classroom

At every evolutionary stage the role of the classroom changes. The classroom performs certain value-creating functions, e.g. course & class organization, student motivation, lesson input, opportunities for feedback, etc. As ICT is introduced into this environment certain functions can be migrated out of the classroom (e.g. moving lesson input to pre-class podcasts) thereby allowing classrooms to better focus on their remaining functions. As classrooms and ICT are integrated a better learning experience is created.

1. Era of the Classroom

(from our corporate site) Traditional education is a product of the 19th century: mass-produced programs, delivered in a teacher-centric, ‘one-to-many’ format. In that model, learning was organized around the needs of teachers and institutions, while content and objectives were imposed upon the learner, rather than being chosen by him. The learner was forced to adapt to the needs of the system.

Study location:

• Classroom

Impetus for next evolution:

• Why can’t I take advantage of multimedia in my studies?

2. Introduction of Computer Labs

In the 1980’s computers with multimedia software were introduced to compliment the classroom learning experience.

Study location:

• Classroom + computer lab

Impetus for next evolution:

• Why can’t I study at home?

3. Introduction of the Web

Network connectivity enabled synchronous/asynchronous distant learning which led to the rise of various LMS’s. As the tools evolved, network connectivity sparked Web 2.0 and all its community-nurturing features. Centralized databases allowed for high-levels of personalization.

Study location:

• Classroom + web-connected computer

What slowed adoption?

• Transition from dial-up to broadband.

Impetus for next evolution:

• Why do I have to sit in front of a computer to learn?

4. Introduction of Mobile

Mobile removes the awkwardness of needing to sit in front of a computer to learn and adjusts the learning system to the learner’s specific needs and context – this is the full realization of learning on your terms. The goal of mobile should be to build upon the strengths of classroom and web study, but reduce the number of necessary classroom functions and remove the location-bound computer from the process.

Study location:

• Anywhere

What slows adoption?

• Usable web browsing on a mobile device & broadband mobile networks.

What happened to podcasts?
The iPod & podcasting were only a half-step to mobile because they had no network access which limited availability, community and personalization. The iPhone completes the full evolution to mobile.

With the mobile phone being such a personal device one wonders what will be the next stage in this evolution.