The document discusses portable WiFi networks that can enable remote learning activities. It describes how such networks allow for sharing photos, streaming video, and making phone calls between learners in the field. Examples are given of geology fieldwork courses where portable WiFi networks allow students to instantly share photos from the site and receive live video instruction. The networks provide a toolkit for practical mobile learning activities and remote access to difficult to reach locations. Appropriate uses and costs/benefits of the technology for teaching and learning are also addressed.

1. Portable networks for mobile learning Trevor Collins Knowledge Media Institute The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK

2. Overview Portable temporary WiFi networks Sharing photos on a network Streaming video over a network Making VoIP (phone) calls over a network Designing and developing practical learning activities Appropriate use of mobile technology to support learners

3. Portable temporary WiFi networks Enabling Remote Activity project Challenge: Improve access to geology fieldwork courses Solution: Portable temporary WiFi network Rapid deployment; instantly share photos; live video streams; high quality audio

4. What geologists need to see

5. Example activity: Sketching

6. Voice Problem based learning approach Practical problems Tutor as a facilitator Develop interpretation and reasoning

7. Video

8. Example: Howick Haven (Aug’09)

9. Portable network services Sharing photos WiFi + Web server + WiFi camera + Web browser Streaming video WiFi + IP camera + Web browser Making VoIP phone calls WiFi + Voice server + Voice client(s)

10. P ractical learning activities Portable communications toolkit Photos, video, voice and other data How could this support your teaching and learning? Remote access to difficult to reach locations… Collecting and sharing photos…

11. Appropriate use of technology Costs Benefits

12. Further information Enabling Remote Activity project Website: http://projects.kmi.open.ac.uk/era Wiki: http://projects.kmi.open.ac.uk/era/wiki Portable WLAN and Backhaul trials (JANET) Blog: http://projects.kmi.open.ac.uk/era/jawlan Portable VoWLAN (JISC) Blog: http://projects.kmi.open.ac.uk/era/vowlan Email: Trevor Collins <t.d.collins@open.ac.uk>