The document discusses trends in mobile learning around the world. While trends are similar globally, choices in technology and cultural significance vary across regions. Mobile networks now cover 90% of the world's population, but specific implementations differ - for example, some areas have expensive long contracts while others use micro-payments. Educators are struggling to understand how to best leverage mobile learning given rapid technology changes and varying access to devices and infrastructure in different locations. The key is designing content for mobile contexts and users' moments of need rather than formal classroom settings.

1. Mobile learning around the world Geoff Stead Head of Innovation, Tribal @geoffstead triballabs.net m-learning.org

2. Tribal is ... We are niche experts in Education + Technology Mostly UK focussed, with a broadening footprint on other markets

3. 90% of the planet ... There are mobile data networks covering 90% of the people on the planet

4. ... but we are all different The trends are similar all over the world ... but the specific choices of technology, and cultural significance varies Women need to borrow from the man in the family Equal gender ownership

5. ... but we are all different The trends are similar all over the world ... but the specific choices of technology, and cultural significance varies Long, expensive contracts No contracts Micro payments

6. ... but we are all different The trends are similar all over the world ... but the specific choices of technology, and cultural significance varies FREE to recieve a text message FREE to recieve a text message Pay to receive a text message FREE to recieve a text message FREE to recieve a text message

7. ... but we are all different The trends are similar all over the world ... but the specific choices of technology, and cultural significance varies $400 smartphone $100 smartphone

8. ... but we are all different The trends are similar all over the world ... but the specific choices of technology, and cultural significance varies to recieve a text message to recieve a text message Do fewer things on smarter phones to recieve a text message Do more things on dumber phones Do fewer things on smarter phones

9. ... but we are all different The trends are similar all over the world ... but the specific choices of technology, and cultural significance varies Costs 6x more to phone Tanzania (next door) than USA / China / India

10. ... but we are all different The trends are similar all over the world ... but the specific choices of technology, and cultural significance varies FREE to recieve a text message FREE to recieve a text message FREE to recieve a text message Leads the world in mobile banking FREE to recieve a text message FREE to recieve a text message FREE to recieve a text message The big banks

11. Same, same ... but different We are using different phones used in different countries .... to do the same tasks

12. The hype is entrancing ... Title of Presentation ‒ Section 5.8 billion mobile subscribers worldwide by 2013 50% of new internet connections in 2009 were from a phone 60% of the world’s population can access fast mobile connections (HSPDA/3G+) Mobile data use exceeding Voice Smartphone market share keeps going up and data rates keep going down On average, your mobile phone is within an arm’s reach 19 hours per day But educators are struggling to REALLY know what works Device churn costs (real, and perceived) risks too many different devices Rapid technology evolution vs glacial curriculum change vs pressured workplace Supplier enthusiasm vs real, transferrable lessons

13. E-learning has established a set of expectations But mobile is forcing a rethink

14. Rapid evolution: multi-touch, pinch, zoom, swipe We used to worry about how to fit text onto small screens

15. Rapid evolution: panning over a virtual screen

16. Rapid evolution: it knows where I am

17. Rapid evolution: it understands what I see

18. Educators are struggling to keep up .... ... But it helps them to step back to keep it in perspective

19. Mobile learning’s gradual evolution: part 1 (inside) 2011 2007 2003 Working inside the system iPad / tablets Connecting to non-mobile systems (VLE) Access to course resources Podcasts Class register Specialist kit “ clicker” voting Traditional courses & class groups. structured learning

20. Mobile learning’s gradual evolution: part 2 (outside) 2011 2007 2003 Working outside the system Augmented Reality User’s own devices Gaming Blogs User generated Personalised Informal, work based, performance tools, job aids, personalised

21. Traditional courses & class groups. structured learning Informal, work based, performance tools, job aids, personalised Micro-course modules Integration with institutional systems Reference materials User generated Post course support tools Augmented reference materials Activity based Communication Collaboration Gaming Mobile learning convergence point User-owned

22. “ bluffers guide” to mobile learning To support, enhance and extend the reach of teaching, training and learning Mainstream (ubiquitous) devices that you would carry on a regular basis Used at the point of need (which for adult learners is rarely in a structured class group) US Gvt internal report: (CTTSO/TSWG) When planning m-learning: Look at “moments of need” rather than courses Do not present mobile learning as a training program, but rather as a productivity tool Design content for mobile. Bulk conversion is not effective

23. Video link

26. adult, working learners learning interwoven with task at the point of need blur between reference, support tool, learning no formal class / group learners are hard to reach in any other way

27. MoLeNET = mobile learning in UK Further Education $20m investment: 3 phased rollout 2007 to 2010 40,000 learners 7,000 educators Over 100 different projects, spanning more than 1/3 of all colleges in the UK Integrated into existing courses, and classes Multiple action research projects reviewing impact Super messy, but some very valuable results www.molenet.org.uk

28. www.molenet.org.uk

29. www.molenet.org.uk

30. Opt-in learning Games + reference + movies

31. Now in 7 schools in South Africa. All ages. Mix of devices All poor. All under-resourced. All about supporting the teachers. Ongoing - new batch of 1000 phones recycled by Sprint, USA

32. E-Books where there is no paper

33. Reading. Reference. Shared devices Improving the school dance! Discovery Poetry

34. Politicised Visual Literacy

35. Focus on empowering teachers Collaborative learning, and supporting multiple agendas Not about the devices per se – rather about the teachers, and a long term vision spanning multiple projects Sharing lessons. Building knowledge.

36. Supported by local champions Volunteers from Germany, South Africa, Sweden

37. Reaching new learners Tools to do stuff “ project based” Local ownership Successes from the small things!

38. Mobile Lab

39. So to summarize ... All about context of use Not about the technologies themselves, but how they are used Keep projects agile Mobile as a tool, not just a channel ... what are yours ?

40. Thanks for your time ... Geoff Stead @geoffstead Gustavo Hartmann @gushartmann triballabs.net m-learning.org moblearn.blogspot.com