This document discusses theories of mobile learning and provides examples of mobile learning initiatives from around the world. It emphasizes that there is no single theory of mobile learning and that approaches must be tailored to specific contexts. The document provides advice such as starting small, focusing on active learning, and allowing iterations to find what works best. Examples showcase mobile learning projects in areas like schools, workforce training, and disaster relief that utilize features such as BYOD, apps, videos, and games.

1. Mobilizing teachers
A free-fall approach to narrowing the
gap between theory and practice
Geoff Stead, Sr Director, Mobile Learning
@geoffstead

2. Mobile Learning Theory ?
“ There is no way to summarise mobile learning
comprehensively across the world. …
If we are looking for one unifying theory, there
isn’t one
”
Prof. John Traxler,
MobiMOOC 2012
2

3. Some of the theory discussed at MobiMOOC2012
Laurillard (2002) - Conversational framework
Modelling the interaction between the learner, the technology,
and the knowledge itself
Sharples Taylor Vavoula (2005,9,10) – building on
Vygotsky (1978) and Engeström (1996)
Activity Theory. Importance of MOBILITY. Re-interpreted for
different scenarios
Park (2011) Pedagogical framework for m-learning
Introduces the concept of “distance learning”, and different
levels of social interaction
http://bit.ly/mobimooc2012
3

4. Reality is complex, messy, diverse
Koole’s FRAME model (2010)
Makes the inter-dependence of
different aspects of the
experience much clear
So – no single, correct answer!!!
4

5. “But I want answers!”
Which devices? BYOD?
Which approach should I use for teaching X?
How to design m-learning content?
Does it really work? Sustainability?
Which software / app / system?
5

6. A “wave riding” strategy for
managing mobile learning
Mobile is rushing up at us whether
we are fully prepared or not
We can’t control (or rationalise)
everything, but we can prepare
and practice
Our role is to make sure it gets
used for good
moblearn.blogspot.com
6

7. Start small. Practice. Keep improving
Flexible tools and equipment
Resilience / Coping with the unexpected
moblearn.blogspot.com
7

8. At School in Cambridge, UK
(BYOD)
8

9. At School in South Africa: an m-learning kit
9

10. After work in the UK: Maths and English
2006: 26 people sat their Maths or English
exam with McDonald’s UK
2012: 200 people A WEEK sit their exam
Core delivery via online (e-learning)
platform.
Mobile apps for “add on” knowledge in
hard-to-grasp areas. Designed around areas
of greatest need
M-learning centric instructional design
(video + brain trainer quizzes)
Movie link: http://bit.ly/mcdvidss
10

11. Learning at Work (international disaster relief)
24 Nation trial
BYOD. Building and testing m-
learning in challenging contexts
From “learning” to performance
support, and information
sharing
Free reports, and software
MoLE project
http://mole-project.net
Movie link:
http://bit.ly/moleprojectmovie
11

12. Jordan - Education Initiative
3G connectivity, and laptops
into Girls Schools
United States - Project K-Nect
Mobile, connected maths
Singapore - WE Learn
WinPhones in primary schools United States - Augmented Reality
EcoMobile, School in the Park

13. Advice from the MobiMOOC class of 2012
• One size does not fit all: choose the tools to fit the need and context
• Let learning design inform the technology (not the other way round)
• ACTIVE Learning: use mobile tools to do stuff - in the classroom, in the world
• Empowerment: allow the learners lead
• Use social media to collaborate and share
• Keep learning strategies AGILE: allow time, and space to iterate
• Start from the CONTEXT of use, involve learners and be creative
• Small, reusable content is more flexible for mobile use
http://bit.ly/topmobtips 13

14. Geoff Stead
Mobile Learning Lab
Qualcomm
@geoffstead
gstead@qualcomm.com
info@mlearnnetwork.com
Thank you
For more information on Qualcomm, visit us at:
www.qualcomm.com & www.qualcomm.com/blog
Follow us on:
©2012 Qualcomm Incorporated. All rights reserved. Qualcomm, Snapdragon, and Gobi are trademarks of
Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and in other countries. Mirasol is a trademark of
Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc., registered in the United States and in other countries. Atheros is a
trademark of Qualcomm Atheros, Inc., registered in the United States and in other countries. 2Net is a
trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Other product and brand names may be trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
QUALCOMM Incorporated, 5775 Morehouse Drive, San Diego, CA 92121-1714