The document discusses a project by Jane Lunsford from The Open University exploring mobile learning for student support. It highlights the use of mobile-accessible materials and texting services to enhance student engagement and maintain communication, providing examples of positive feedback from both students and tutors. The initiative aims to offer scalable and sustainable support while improving access to learning resources.

1. Mobile learning for student support Jane Lunsford, The Open University Handheld Learning, October 2008

2. Open University open access policy 200,000 diverse students distance learners majority studying part-time provision of generic learning support resources Background

3. student online and print support material

4. most study support resources open to enquirers

5. online resources for tutors

6. February - December 2007 action research foundation year to postgraduate across the UK nine subject areas support: online, f2f, telephone mobile-accessible materials chose technology to suit community of students aspects of the module Tutors, students and mobile access

7. Examples ‘ introduction to tutor’ audio recorded tutorial discussions to mp3 audio summary of topic visual + audio commentary about a process revision crosswords and quizzes text reminders shared webspace for student comments and work mp3 files sent with forum message blog video of tutor / student discussion

8. Student comments “ as I was unable to attend any of the tutorials I felt more connected with the tutor/group” “ used the podcasts for advice on assignments” “ helped me cover areas in my course-work I may have missed otherwise”

9. Tutor comments “ a proactive way of offering support, rather than reactive” “ I can see the benefits to the students” “ I’ll continue to develop and use such materials”

10. additional support material for students (and tutors) using mobile devices for learning how to use and record audio for tutors case studies options for using web 2.0 tools Practical outcomes

11. October 2007 - July 2008 one student cohort psychology module ‘ just in time’ texting pilot 453 students signed up – 10% 20 messages over 26 weeks Texting students

12. support website – information and archive

13. 08.12.07 Start using SPSS on your computer this week. More: www.open.ac.uk/sms

14. key points within the course reminders about tutorials and assignments – keeping on track making best use of course and OU resources evaluated by text response questionnaire interviews and focus groups Texting

15. Student comments “ [the text messages] have acted as a timely reminder for things that I might leave until the last minute” “ when work is busy it is sometimes easy to get behind and not check the website, but with the text message service you get nice little prompts ”

16. alternative approaches access in other places when unable to attend tutorials review and replay proactive answer whole student group strength of ‘voice’ Benefits: tutors, students and mobile access

17. Benefits: texting highlights key information invites an action personal reassurance emotional support safety net good for new students less organised

18. re-structured, re-designed blended accessible provision enhanced activities, audio, video RSS feeds downloadable statistics tool evaluating uptake additional topics Skills for OU Study www.open.ac.uk/ skillsforstudy

19. What next? offer texting-based support scalability and sustainability add mobile-accessible topics downloadable invite shared student material

20. Jane Lunsford [email_address]