Mobile Learning with Micro-content: A Framework and Evaluation

Micro-learning (ML) combines micro-content delivery with a sequence of micro interactions which enable users to learn without information overload. This has the potential to enable better learning results in terms of retention of propositional content. Learners familiar with Web2.0 technologies, like Tweets and SMS, expect a personalized learning solution and the KnowledgePulse (KP) system researched and developed by the RSA FG delivers this in a work context. ML has potential for enhancing mobile learning which has lacked success despite the explosive popularity of mobile devices. This paper presents the micro-learning approach and the KP sytem that delivers micro-content on mobile devices and allows learning anytime, anyplace and any pace. Three case studies of different product stages of KP are reported with 100+ users in three settings. Results show high usage levels and good satisfaction of learners. These preliminary results provide encouraging signs for the further development of micro-learning systems. Future research needs to expand to a much large scale and also develop an evaluation framework which can serve as standard to investigate how micro and mobile learning can be integrated to create more effective learning.

[1]  Lung-Hsiang Wong,et al.  A learner-centric view of mobile seamless learning , 2012, Br. J. Educ. Technol..

[2]  Maria Virvou,et al.  Mobile educational features in authoring tools for personalised tutoring , 2005, Comput. Educ..

[3]  Bahar Baran,et al.  Facebook as a formal instructional environment , 2010, Br. J. Educ. Technol..

[4]  Mohamed Ally,et al.  Mobile Learning: Transforming the Delivery of Education and Training , 2009 .

[5]  Carmen Holotescu,et al.  Mobile learning through microblogging , 2011 .

[6]  Reshmy Krishnan,et al.  Towards pervasive mobile learning – the vision of 21st century , 2011 .

[7]  Dongsong Zhang,et al.  Delivery of Personalized and Adaptive Content to Mobile Devices: A Framework and Enabling Technology , 2003, Commun. Assoc. Inf. Syst..

[8]  Matthias Jarke,et al.  Learn-as-you-go: New Ways of Cloud-Based Micro-learning for the Mobile Web , 2011, ICWL.

[9]  Ayse Alkan,et al.  Differences between M-Learning (Mobile Learning) and E-Learning, Basic Terminology and Usage of M-Learning in Education. , 2011 .

[10]  Agnes Kukulska-Hulme,et al.  How should the higher education workforce adapt to advancements in technology for teaching and learning? , 2012, Internet High. Educ..

[11]  Ann L. Brown,et al.  Psychological theory and the design of innovative learning environments: On procedures, principles, and systems. , 1996 .

[12]  Richard Cornell.  Bridging Continents: Technology Trends Today and Tomorrow , 2002 .

[13]  Inmaculada Arnedillo-Sánchez,et al.  Mobile Learning [Guest editor's introduction] , 2007 .

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

[15]  Aaron Smith,et al.  Social Media & Mobile Internet Use among Teens and Young Adults. Millennials. , 2010 .

[16]  Jürgen Jarosch,et al.  Mobile Learning , 2014, HMD Praxis der Wirtschaftsinformatik.

[17]  Xiaoxiang Zhang,et al.  Design for application of micro learning to informal training in enterprise , 2011, 2011 2nd International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Management Science and Electronic Commerce (AIMSEC).

[18]  Luvai Motiwalla,et al.  Mobile learning: A framework and evaluation , 2007, Comput. Educ..

[19]  Deborah Hix,et al.  Human-computer interface development: concepts and systems for its management , 1989, CSUR.

[20]  H A Simon,et al.  How Big Is a Chunk? , 1974, Science.

[21]  N. Cowan.  The magical number 4 in short-term memory: A reconsideration of mental storage capacity , 2001, Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

[22]  Chengling Zhao,et al.  Application research of micro mobile learning in teachers' continuing education , 2010, 2010 Third International Symposium on Knowledge Acquisition and Modeling.