TURN ON YOUR PHONES PLEASE: FROM DISTRACTION TO ENGAGEMENT WITH MOBILE LEARNING

Authors

  • Robert Lawson University of Manitoba
  • Kathy Snow Cape Breton University

Keywords:

Mobile learning, Student engagement, Student distraction

Abstract

In one month, D2L, the learning management system (LMS) at the University of Manitoba, recorded over 6,000 occurrences of students accessing the LMS from mobile devices: Students were communicating through their actions that it was time to change the way we thought about course design. This article presents results of two separate research projects designed to inform practice at the University of Manitoba with regard to the use of mobile devices in fully online courses: First, the results of a study evaluating the limitations and opportunities for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) mobile access to courses that have not been designed for mobile devices. Next, the results of a second study examining best practices for course design to facilitate greater opportunities for learning through the LMS and mobile devices are shared. Finally, building upon the results of the previous two studies, the implications for enhancing engagement in face-to-face classes using mobile devices are discussed.

Author Biographies

Robert Lawson, University of Manitoba

Dr. Robert Lawson (robert.Lawson@umanitoba.ca) is an Instructional Designer with Extended Education at the University of Manitoba. His research interests include mobile learning, blended learning and Indigenous pedagogical approaches.

Kathy Snow, Cape Breton University

Dr. Kathy Snow (kathy_Snow@cbu.ca) is an Assistant Professor the School of Professional Studies at Cape Breton University. She currently teaches both in the B.Ed. and graduate Education programs. Her research interests include educational technologies, Science and Environmental Education.

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Published

2015-09-01

Issue

Vol. 18 (2014)

Section

Articles

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