The Network Sense

In my last post, I wondered what might follow mobile learning. On the same day, fellow 上海人 Carsten Ullrich posted on just that topic. Nice little hub we are building in Shanghai.

Carsten cites a research paper (PDF download) “Computer Supported Ubiquitous Learning Environment for Vocabulary Learning Using RFID Tags” by Hiroaki Ogata, Ryo Akamatsu and Yoneo Yano, in which it is proposed that ‘ubiquitous learning’ is what is destined to follow mobile learning. Key characteristics of ubiquitous learning would include:

1. a) Permanency: Learners never lose their work unless it is purposefully deleted. In addition, all the learning processes are recorded continuously everyday.
2. b) Accessibility: Learners have access to their documents, data, or videos from anywhere. That information is provided based on their requests. Therefore, the learning is self-directed.
3. c) Immediacy: Wherever learners are, they can get any information immediately. Thus, learners can solve problems quickly. Otherwise, the learner can record the questions and look for the answer later.
4. d) Interactivity: Learners can interact with experts, teachers, or peers in the form of synchronous or asynchronous communication. Hence, the experts are more reachable and the knowledge becomes more available.
5. e) Situating of instructional activities: the learning could be embedded in our daily life. The problems encountered as well as the knowledge required are all presented in their natural and authentic forms. This helps learners notice the features of problem situations that make particular actions relevant.

This should help inspire some of our future product design.