Facilitating Learning Interests Through Mobile Information Visualization

In this paper, a mobile approach for ambient learning is presented. As an example of the concept, modeling is done to deliver educational content on weather phenomenon to schoolchildren. Information visualization techniques are utilized to present an alternative approach of knowledge delivery that could be considered to be beyond conventional classroom based teachings. The concept is demonstrated with the ‘Interactive Weather Information System’ (IWIS) platform. During the user tests, the effectiveness of the proposed method on knowledge conveyance was evaluated. Usability tests showed that IWIS serves as a good stimulus to captivate the learning interests of the target user group (children from 10 to 12 years old). In addition, the new issues that surfaced could be used as design considerations or factors in subsequent research work in this area.

[1]  Henry Been-Lirn Duh,et al.  Information empowerment through mobile learning , 2009, Mobile HCI.

[2]  Daniel Su Kuen Seong,et al.  Usability guidelines for designing mobile learning portals , 2006, Mobility '06.

[3]  Desmond Keegan,et al.  The Future of Learning: From eLearning to mLearning. , 2002 .

[4]  Qing Li Mobile Enhanced Learning: Application Model and Practice , 2008, 2008 International Conference on Computer Science and Software Engineering.

[5]  Robert Yu-Liang Ting,et al.  Mobile learning: current trend and future challenges , 2005, Fifth IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT'05).

[6]  Leslie J. Waguespack,et al.  Visual metaphors for teaching programming concepts , 1989, SIGCSE '89.

[7]  Hong Zhou,et al.  Natural Textures for Weather Data Visualization , 2006, Tenth International Conference on Information Visualisation (IV'06).

[8]  Yuan-Kai Wang,et al.  Context awareness and adaptation in mobile learning , 2004, The 2nd IEEE International Workshop on Wireless and Mobile Technologies in Education, 2004. Proceedings..

[9]  Teresa Roselli,et al.  Guidelines for designing and developing contents for mobile learning , 2005, IEEE International Workshop on Wireless and Mobile Technologies in Education (WMTE'05).