PCF5:Livelihoods - Innovations:Mobile Learning

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Title of session

Innovations:Mobile Learning

Session details

• Date: 15 July 2008
• Time: 14.00
• Room: 728

Session papers

• Mr. C.S.H.N. Murthy Copparapu Use of convergent mobile technologies for sustainable economic transformation in the lives of small farmers in rural India (192)
• Mr. Jon Gregson, Going Mobile with Distance Learners (631 )
• Dr. Haaveshe Kekongo-Nielsen, Radio and Pedagogy of Intellectual Engagement among Cattle4 farmers (364 )
• Mr. Felix Kayode Olakulehin, Effectiveness of Proficiency Skills Development Using Open and Distance Learning System IN Nigeria (156 )

Key Issues that arose in the session

Brief summary: Background/rationale of the topic covered Potential of mobile technology for sustainable economic transformation in the lives of farmers Using mobile technology for distance learners Effectiveness of radio for intellectual engagement among cattle farmers Proficiency skills development using open and distance learning systems

• Outline of theoretical perspectives explored in the session that has the potential for achieving effective learning and improved livelihoods through ODL?

- Potential of mobile learning for community building,
- one-way and two way communication allowing for teaching/learning,
- counseling and providing access to information

• Summary of evidences (data) that are offered in the session for achieving effective learning for achieving improved livelihoods through ODL?

- Bangladesh case of teacher training using mobile technology - Mobile learning project for students in the SADC region for courses in rural development and information and communication technology

• What are the unresolved issues and challenges for achieving effective learning for improved livelihoods through ODL?

- Contextual issues e.g. demographic factors, access, Cost
- Language
- Service providers
- Government policies e.g. jamming signals
- Quality of the learning experience
- Practical aspects: how practical is the application in the particular context?
- Lack of existing research

• What are the potential solutions for these issues and challenges that can make ODL work better for improved livelihoods?

- Software for language translations
- Using lower-end mobile technology until cost is reduced

• Suggest useful resources, people or institutions who could contribute to addressing these issues and challenges for achieving the sub theme topic and effective learning for livelihoods?

- Mr Paul Smith, Centre for Distance Education University of London, University of London,
- Jon Gregson, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) United Kingdom.

• What role COL can play in strengthening the use of ICT and ODL and in adding value to achieving the sub theme topic towards effective learning for livelihoods?

- Facilitate action research in finding ways to use mobile telephony in combination with other digital media as tools for learning, beyond the more common use of mobile telephony for communication of information.