#IOLchat Report: From eLearning to mLearning

Each week we meet via Twitter for #IOLchat to discuss current issues related to online learning. Participants include students, instructors, eLearning companies, schools, publishers, and instructional designers.

Special thanks to featured guest R.J. Jacquez, mobile learning analyst and consultant, for joining us this week! R.J. brought his expertise and advice on leading practices and the latest mobile technologies to the discussion. Are you using mobile devices to interact in your courses or to access learning materials and apps? Take a look at what our participants had to say about their current use, as well as predictions for the future of mobile learning.

How are instructors in higher education creatively using mobile devices to engage students?

• They are connecting with students through devices they may already be using (i.e., smartphones, tablets) for activities outside of class.
• Mobile devices increase access – students connecting with other students, with their instructors, and with course content and supplemental learning materials.
• Mobile is still new in many contexts, including higher education.
• Use of mobile learning technologies requires faculty members to be open to change – rapidly evolving and emerging devices and applications.
• "We are at a point of no return with mobile learning. We need to adapt quickly and embrace it."

What mobile technologies are you implementing in your own learning experiences?

• Check out NearPod – student and teacher apps for students enabling participation from multiple locations through "synchronized use of iPads."
• There are possibilities in formal and informal learning environments – apps can help you navigate museum exhibits and conference events, for example.
• "The whole idea of location awareness that mobile devices bring to our lives is one of the killer apps."
• Productivity apps, such as OneNote and Notes are recommended.
• Preference of iOS (i.e., Apple iPad, iPhone) or Android (e.g., Samsung Galaxy, Motorola Droid) platforms may be due to familiarity with other systems or just using what is available, but all have something to offer, and design of mobile learning applications should consider compatibility issues.
• In addition to smartphones and tablets, eReaders are in use.

What do you think the future of mobile learning will look like?

• It's been (only) five years since Apple introduced the iPhone, perhaps ushering in the age of mobile learning.
• Devices seem to be getting more compact and more efficient, leading to even better function in terms of portability and convenience. "Before the iPhone, mobile learning would've meant lugging your laptop around."
• Keeping an open mind to opportunity is important. "Don't put limitations on what's possible."
• There may be a point in the future when designating some learning as "mlearning" is a moot distinction. "In the end … it's just 'learning'."

Thanks again to @rjacquez, @ODU_DL, and @TechCommGeekMom for participating in the live event! Help us to continue the discussion by adding your thoughts via the comments area on this page.

For more from the most recent live session, review the chat feed below. Our past chats can be found on the archives page.

Follow us (@OC_org) and plan to attend our next chat. We meet on Wednesdays at 12pm ET and look forward to hearing your perspective.

This week's read aheads:

10 Ways That Mobile Learning Will Revolutionize Education from FastCoDesign

Learning Mobile App Review: Nearpod [podcast] from R.J. Jacquez

Thoughts on the State of Mobile Learning [video] from ACU's Connected Summit 2011

National Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology from EDUCAUSE

This week's chat feed:

Image credit: waferboard, Flickr, CC-BY