How can specific mobile apps support and enhance online courses? From LMS apps, organizational apps, and university apps to apps specifically design to support a unique course, explore the variety of ways mobile learning can enhance online learning.
This cross listed blog post shares links and resources for using mobile apps in three areas of online learning: Learning, Connection to the University, School or Organization, and Connection to the Instructor.
Learning
- Responsive design of your LMS
- LMS Mobile version:
- Teaching students tools to help them stay organized, for example:
- Group interaction supported by mobile apps such as:
- Twitter for reporting in activities for jogging class
- Poll everywhere for polling in class students and online students; can embed in your LMS content as well
- Practice apps such as:
- Quizlet to create your own practice for students or for students to create their own
- Apps that teach such as:
- Duolingo for languages
- 2 Minute English
- Real Business English
- Craftsy
- Students creating projects on their phone
- Creating ads in a marketing class
- Sharing a video introduction of themselves
- Recording a skit on their cell phone
- iPadio: phone in and record audio up to 60 minutes
Connection to your University, School or Organization
- Most university apps have calendars, catalogs, news, etc. Some examples:
- iSheffield School of Aeronautics
- HawkTools
- Hello App Camp from Drake University
- My ATSU Mobile
- Apps that help students live around campus:
- Bongo for bus schedule
- Park Mobile for campus parking
- University of Iowa Residence Hall Laundry app
- What about online learners? Should we have apps that do special things for online learners? Should there be a separate app for on campus students and a different one for online students?
- Athletics apps:
- Hawkeye Sports Gameday Live
- DU Bulldogs
- Do online learners feel connected to the sports teams of their institution?
Connection to the Instructor
- Videoconferencing apps such as:
- Texting students reminders:
- Deliver content via apps such as iTunes U, YouTube, etc.
Additional Reading
-
Aderinoye, R., Ojokheta, K., & Olojede, A. (2007). Integrating Mobile Learning into Nomadic Education Programme in Nigeria: Issues and perspectives. The International Review Of Research In Open And Distributed Learning, 8(2). Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/347/919
- Ally, M., & Samaka, M. (2013). Open education resources and mobile technology to narrow the learning divide. The International Review Of Research In Open And Distributed Learning, 14(2), 14-27. Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/1530/2479
- Han, I., & Han, S. (2014). Adoption of the mobile campus in a cyber university. The International Review Of Research In Open And Distributed Learning, 15(6). Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/1950/3132
-
Hsu, Y., & Ching, Y. (2012). Mobile microblogging: Using Twitter and mobile devices in an online course to promote learning in authentic contexts. The International Review Of Research In Open And Distributed Learning, 13(4), 211-227. Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/1222/2313
- Iqbal, S., & Qureshi, I. (2012). M-learning adoption: A perspective from a developing country. The International Review Of Research In Open And Distributed Learning, 13(3), 147-164. Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/1152/2213
- Kenny, R., Van Neste-Kenny, J., Burton, P., Park, C., & Qayyum, A. (2012). Using self-efficacy to assess the readiness of nursing educators and students for mobile learning. The International Review Of Research In Open And Distributed Learning, 13(3), 277-296. Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/1221/2261
- Ozdamar Keskin, N., & Kuzu, A. (2015). Development and testing of a m-learning system for the professional development of academics through design-based action research. The International Review Of Research In Open And Distributed Learning, 16(1). Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/1613/3194
- Park, Y. (2011). A pedagogical framework for mobile learning: Categorizing educational applications of mobile technologies into four types. The International Review Of Research In Open And Distributed Learning, 12(2), 78-102. Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/791/1699
-
Shin, W., & Kang, M. (2015). The use of a mobile learning management system at an online university and its effect on learning satisfaction and achievement. The International Review Of Research In Open And Distributed Learning, 16(3). Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/1984/3345
-
Young, S., & Hung, H. (2014). Coping with the challenges of open online education in Chinese societies in the mobile era: NTHU OCW as a case study. The International Review Of Research In Open And Distributed Learning, 15(3). Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/1742/2908
Author: Janine Lim, Associate Dean for Online Higher Education, Andrews University; Janine serves on the USDLA Board of Directors. Read more on her blog.