Mobile Devices and Mobile Learning: Shifting the Mindset of Teachers and Learners

Abstract

Incorporating new media technologies that enable mobile learning to be part of educational practice poses challenges to those used to teaching in a traditional classroom environment. In this article three lecturers and a learning advisor from a New Zealand university reflect on their experiences in the progressive redesign of a Bachelor of Arts degree paper. Students were tasked with using mobile devices to make short movies and incorporate digital platforms and social media as part of mobile learning. A design-based research approach assisted the lecturers to use the transition of the paper over a two-year period as a case study to demonstrate how a change in mindset and skill base was necessary for them as well as the students in adapting to a mobile learning environment. Findings from this research indicate that the students' ability to apply creative skills using mobile devices, plus the lecturers' willingness to embrace new formats, enhanced the learning and teaching experience. Finally, this article presents guidelines to assist other institutions wishing to update courses to incorporate mobile learning.