Abstract
There is need for mobile learning (mLearning) systems that are capable of spurring seamless collaborative and cooperative learning. Such systems would be instrumental in redefining the way academic and administrative student support services are extended to students who might find themselves situated in different learning spaces and with multiple societal roles. In this chapter, the Mobile Learning Object Deployment and Utilisation Framework (MoLODUF) was used to underpin a study from which requirements necessary for the development of a seamless collaborative and cooperative mLearning system were instantiated. The adduced requirements include the need for communication cost subsidies and putting in place mechanisms for harnessing positive mLearning policy elements. Other requirements relate to human, financial and infrastructural resources for spurring mLearning. The system also requires an authentication protocol to prevent unauthorised use and unsolicited communication. It also requires GSM and GPRS mobile network connectivity so as to embrace low- and high-end mobile phones and mobile and PC interoperability. The system needs to be designed for learners who are located in multiple contexts and with multiple roles. Text and audio media types are ideal for learning objects that are seamlessly interoperable on low- to high-end mobile phones and PCs. The system as well should be cognisant of the need for learning comfort and learning object delivery feedback. These system requirements have been used to develop a prototype seamless collaborative and cooperative mLearning systems using SMS technology.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ayala, G., & Castillo, S. (2008, March 23–26). Towards computational models for mobile learning objects. Paper presented at the fifth IEEE international conference on Wireless, Mobile, and Ubiquitous Technology in Education (WMTE’05), Tokushima, Japan.
Burgess, F. T. (2001). A general introduction to design of questionnaires for survey research. Leeds: University of Leeds.
Butgereit, L., & Botha, A. (2009, May 06–08). Hadeda: The noisy way to practice spelling vocabulary using a cell phone. Paper presented at the IST-Africa 2009 conference, Kampala, Uganda.
Calder, J. (1998). Survey research method. Medical Education, 32(1998), 638–652.
Caudill, G. J. (2007). The growth of mLearning and the growth of mobile computing: Parallel developments. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 8(2), 1–13.
de Marcos, L. H. R. J., Gutiérrez, A. J., Pagés C., & Martínez, J. J. (2006). Implementing learning objects repositories for mobile devices. Retrieved from http://ftp.informatik.rwth-aachen.de/Publications/CEUR-WS/Vol-208/paper04.pdf
Ford, M., & Botha, A. (2009, May 06–08). MobiLED – Mobile-led and leading via mobile. Paper presented at the IST-Africa 2009 conference, Kampala, Uganda.
Grant, J., Lynch, K., & Fisher, J. (2007, October 10–12). Looks can cost; Especially on a small screen. Paper presented at the 7th IFIP international conference on e-Business, e-Services, and e-Society (I3E2007), Wuhan, China.
Lee, M. J. W., & Tynan, B. (2009). Podcasts and distance learning. In G. Salmon & P. Edirisingha (Eds.), Podcasting for learning in universities. Glasgow: Bell and Bain Limited.
Lin, X., Hmelo, C., Kinzer, K. C., & Secules, J. T. (1999). Designing technology to support reflection. Educational Technology Research and Development, 47(3), 43–62.
Makerere University. (2008). Makerere University strategic plan 2008/09-18/19. Kampala: Makerere University Printery.
Milrad, M., Wong, L.-H., Sharples, M., Hwang, G.-J., Looi, C.-K., & Ogata, H. (2013). Seamless learning: An international perspective on next generation technology enhanced learning. In Z. L. Berge & L. Y. Muilenburg (Eds.), The handbook of mobile learning (pp. 95–108). New York: Routledge.
Muyinda, B. P., Lubega, J., & Lynch, K. (2010). Unleashing mobile phones for research supervision support at Makerere University, Uganda: The lessons learned. International Journal of Innovation and Learning (IJIL), 7(1), 14–34.
Muyinda, B. P., Lubega, J., Lynch, K., & Weide, T. (2011). A framework for instantiating pedagogic mLearning applications. In C. Antonio & P. Pekka (Eds.), Theoretical aspects of computing – (ICTAC 2011) (Lecture notes in computer science, Vol. 6916/2011, pp. 194–217). Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer.
Reeves, C. T., Herrington, J., & Oliver, R. (2005). Design research: A socially responsible approach to instructional technology research in higher education. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 16(2), 97–116.
SAIDE. (2008). Using mobile technology for learner support in open schooling. Project report for: Commonwealth of Learning. Retrieved from http://www.col.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/Mobile%20Technology_Final%20Report.pdf
Toh, Y., So, H.-J., Seow, P., Chen, W., & Looi, C.-K. (2013). Seamless learning in the mobile age: A theoretical and methodological discussion on using cooperative inquiry to study digital kids on-the-move. Learning Media and Technology, 38(3), 301–318.
Traxler, J. (2007). Defining, discussing, and evaluating mobile learning: The moving finger writes and having writ…. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 8(2), 1–12.
Uden, L. (2007). Activity theory for designing mobile learning. International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organization, 1(1), 81–102.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Zhang, B. H., & Looi, C.-K. (2011). Developing a sustainable education innovation for seamless learning. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 15(2011), 2148–2154.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 Springer Science+Business Media Singapore
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Muyinda, P.B., Mayende, G., Kizito, J. (2015). Requirements for a Seamless Collaborative and Cooperative MLearning System. In: Wong, LH., Milrad, M., Specht, M. (eds) Seamless Learning in the Age of Mobile Connectivity. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-113-8_11
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-113-8_11
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-287-112-1
Online ISBN: 978-981-287-113-8
eBook Packages: Humanities, Social Sciences and LawEducation (R0)