Location-based Mobile Learning Research Articles

Location-based mobile learning on relief mapping methods

ABSTRACT Modern approaches in education extensively use recent technologies in the learning process: One of them is using mobile devices to make the learning more interesting to students and to allow them to learn outside the classroom. With a mobile learning application for a field exercise for cartography students, this paper builds on research in Location-Based Mobile Learning (LBML). The approach is based on (1) gamified learning in a real-world context and (2) applying the user experience theory to designing a concept of mobile learning. The outcome is the quiz-based mobile application mCartoLearn. The approach was tested with two classes of university students and the results are presented in this paper. This approach extends lecturing of cartography at universities from indoor traditional and e-learning to outdoor contextual mobile learning. The mobile application allows the learners to better connect with the real-world to understand the cartographic methods of representing relief on maps.

Multimodal Intelligent Acoustic Sensor-Assisted English Pronunciation Signal Acquisition and Phonetic Calibration

In this paper, a multimodal intelligent acoustic sensor is used for an in-depth study and analysis of English pronunciation signal acquisition and calibration analysis of English phonetic symbols based on the acquired sound signals. This paper proposes a bimodal fusion algorithm around the direction of feature extension and fusion of acoustic recognition features. After each unimodal classification error cost is minimized, the current fusion process is determined by adaptive weights to fix its one decision layer on the fusion. The adaptive weight approach in this algorithm improves the drawback of always identifying one mode as the optimal mode in fixed-weight fusion and further improves applicability and performance compared to unimodal recognition. The random network generation algorithm is used to generate a random network for sound source data acquisition; then, the algorithm is investigated using the decomposition containing fusion center algorithm to each node, and data preprocessing is implemented at each node; finally, the distributed consistency algorithm based on average weights is used for consistent averaging iterations to achieve a consistent speech enhancement effect at each node. The experimental results show that this distributed algorithm can effectively suppress the interference of noncoherent noise, and each node can obtain an enhanced signal close to the source signal-to-noise ratio. In this study, factors that may affect the readability of spoken texts are summarized, analyzed, defined, and extracted, and the difficulty of spoken items obtained from the divisional scoring model is used as the dependent variable, and the extracted influencing factors are used as independent variables for feature screening, model construction, and tuning, and the generated results are interpreted and analyzed. From this, it was found that phonological features have a strong influence on the readability of spoken texts, mainly in features such as phonemes, syllables, and stress. This study is summarized, and the shortcomings of location-based contextual mobile learning of spoken English in terms of student management, device deployment, and empirical evidence are pointed out, to provide references and lessons for the research on IT-supported language learning.

Location-based mobile learning system facilitating English learning

ABSTRACT The central aim of this study was to determine the potential of the GPS-based MCL system for English learning in terms of its relationship with learning achievements. For this, the research enrolled 51 students of Moscow Aviation Institute, National Research University (Moscow, Russian Federation) aged 20 to 22, 35% were males, and 65% were females. The paper defined the predictors of self-efficacy, self-regulation, and academic success. The main research tool was represented by 7-point Likert scale questionnaire surveys. The calculation of Cronbach’s alphas allowed concluding that they were sufficiently reliable insofar as the values obtained for the questionnaires on respondents’ self-regulation, self-efficacy, the use of GPS-based MCL system, and this system’s perceived usefulness and simplicity equaled 0.78, 0.89, 0.84, and 0.84, respectively. Overall, the experiment outcomes uncovered that student self-regulation and self-efficacy do influence learning outcomes and can even predict future academic performance. There was a significant difference in the results of pre- and post-testing conducted before and after the implementation of the GPS-based MCL system with the upward trend observed. Alongside this, the mean scores for the perceived usefulness and ease of use of the proposed MCL system constituted 4.96 and 5.28 (on a 7-point scale).

Literature Review of Location-Based Mobile Games in Education: Challenges, Impacts and Opportunities

With the universal use of mobile computing devices, there has been a notable increase in the number of mobile applications developed for educational purposes. Gamification strategies offer a new set of tools to educators and, combined with the location services provided by those devices, allow the creation of innovative location-based mobile learning experiences. In this literature review, we conduct an analysis of educational mobile location-based games. The review includes articles published from January of 2010 to October of 2020, and from 127 records screened, 26 articles were analysed in full-text form. This analysis allowed us to answer the following six predefined research questions: Who are the target audiences for location-based games? In which subjects are location-based games most used? Which strategies are implemented with mobile devices to improve the student’s learning process? What are the main impacts of location-based games on students’ learning? What are the main challenges to the development of location-based games for education? What future tendencies and research opportunities can be identified from the analysis of the current state of the art?

Scaffolding augmented reality inquiry learning: the design and investigation of the TraceReaders location-based, augmented reality platform

ABSTRACTWhile learning can happen anywhere and everywhere, most educational practices in K-12 are confined within the walls of a classroom and the school; such practices narrowly define learning and exclude the opportunities that an expanded and digitally mediated definition of learning can offer. Augmented reality (AR) technologies offer exciting new opportunities for supporting ubiquitous learning, by superimposing layers of digital information on the real world. The digital augmentation can provide enriched learning experiences, through situating the learning content in authentic contexts and fostering inquiry-based learning. Nonetheless, learning can often be sidestepped as the use of AR technologies becomes a mere fun activity, akin to a treasure hunt. Such challenges indicate the need to provide scaffolded AR environments to support deep learning. These ideas are reflected in the design of the TraceReaders, a platform for enabling location-based mobile learning using augmented reality (AR) technologies. TraceReaders supports the authoring of inquiry-based AR apps, to engage students in evidence-driven reflective inquiry in situ. This paper first describes the theoretical commitments which guided the development of the TraceReaders platform, followed by a description of its design rationale. Two case studies of informal inquiry learning using TraceReaders are then presented: the first one reports on the use of the “Young Archaeologists” TraceReaders app to support primary school students’ historical reasoning, while the second one reports on the “Mystery at the Lake” app to support high school students’ environmental science inquiry. These cases offer the opportunity to discuss the affordances and challenges in using such a scaffolded tool to support location-based AR learning in situ. The discussion concludes with lessons learned from empirical studies about the design and effectiveness of tools like the TraceReaders platform and future steps.

From playing to designing: Enhancing educational experiences with location-based mobile learning games

This paper presents research into the benefits and implementation strategies of integrating location-based mobile learning games in higher education courses to enhance educational experiences. Two approaches were studied: learning by playing, and learning by designing. In the first, games were developed for undergraduate courses in four discipline areas, introduced during lectures, and played by students during a tutorial, as a self-guided activity or field excursion. In the second, students designed and developed their own prototype games as an educational activity to explore pedagogical strategies in personalised learning. Observations were made as students played and designed games. Online surveys, focus groups, and game analytics were used to help understand player behaviour and discover satisfaction rates, engagement, and the impact on learning outcomes. Results indicate that both the playing and self-designing of location-based mobile learning games can deliver active, engaging, and authentic educational experiences for students, enhancing opportunities to interact with locations, mobile content, and with each other. The impact of design, implementation strategy, and support on a student’s motivation for, and engagement with, the learning is discussed, along with the designing of games to offer an opportunity for students to personalise their learning and develop new ICT skills.

Map-based Visual Analytics of Moving Learners

Location-based mobile learning (LBML) is a type of mobile learning in which the learning content is related to the location of the learner. The evaluation of LBML concepts and technologies is typically performed using methods known from classical usability engineering, such as questionnaires or interviews. In this paper, the authors argue for applying visual analytics to spatial and spatio-temporal visualizations of learners' trajectories for evaluating LBML. Visual analytics supports the detection and interpretation of spatio-temporal patterns and irregularities in both, single learners' as well as multiple learners' trajectories, thus revealing learners' typical behavior patterns and potential problems with the LBML software, hardware, the didactical concept, or the spatial and temporal embedding of the content.

The 5R adaptation framework: Concepts, systems, and learning scenarios

Location-based mobile learning applications harness the advantages of mobile devices to enhance learner's interaction with the learning context. This paper presents the 5R adaptation framework, the underlying concept for adaptive mobile learning management systems and mobile learning applications. The framework enriches mobile learning management systems by integrating learning context information including learner, location, time, device and learning content into the adaptation process. In this paper, three mobile learning applications are presented to demonstrate the use of the 5R adaptation framework. Two university-level, geography course scenarios are also presented, which offer insights into how the 5R adaptation features could be integrated with and compliment distance learning pedagogies.

Design and development of a location-based mobile learning system to facilitate English learning

Rapid technological developments along with the popularity of the Internet and mobile devices in recent years have allowed learners to undertake learning outside the confines of the physical classroom and immerse themselves in actual locations and situations. This has led to a proliferation of research in this field together with the design and development that integrate the use of mobile devices, allowing students to undertake mobile context-aware learning. In this study, 64 Taiwanese tertiary students evaluated a learning system about plants in the English language. This location-based mobile learning system to facilitate English learning was based on mobile context-aware learning and related theories. The analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation model was used for the system development. Analysis of users' requirements indicated that the majority of subjects preferred teaching materials with text and images presented on web pages on mobile devices, and that the user interface should be simple. Feedback from the evaluation of the system included suggestions to improve the maps, words, and images provided, as well as the sensing range of the global positioning system. In addition, providing forum feedback and an audio guide may be strategies to enhance users' experience of using the system. After modifications, the final product was a fully functional system for learning about plants in English. Mobile learning is the future developmental trend in the field of education. It is anticipated that the design and development of the proposed system will serve as a reference for other researchers and future developments in mobile learning systems.

Design Guidelines for Location-Based and Contextual Learning Supported by Mobile Devices

In location-based and contextual mobile learning, students are continually mobile in the virtual, social, and physical environment. A common problem in this view of mobile learning is that students spend time focusing on the mobile devices at the expense of interacting with other students or exploring the physical environment. The authors approach this problem from an interaction design perspective, where they design and analyse geometry-learning activities in two iterations. Based on video data from groups of students participating in the learning activities, the authors analyse when mobile devices are in the foreground and background of their interaction. The authors present six guidelines for designing location-based and contextual mobile learning activities, where mobile devices support rather than distract students from contents and contexts relevant to the learning goals. Finally, the guidelines are evaluated using a model of interaction, which represents mobile device interaction as one of four different modes of human interaction with technology.

Location matters: leveraging knowledge building with mobile devices and Web 2.0 technology

This article examines the potential of mobile computing and Web 2.0 technology to support knowledge building in formal and informal settings. Desktop-based knowledge building tools have limited affordances of supporting one-to-one access, learning in situ, and seamless integration in and out of school environments. In this initial study, we explore how recent advances of mobile and Web 2.0 technologies can be utilized to support seamless knowledge building processes and to enhance contextualized learning experiences across multiple locations. Using design research as a methodological framework, we analyzed current practices and configurations of mobile learning in one primary school in Singapore, and codesigned a learning scenario with teachers toward seamless knowledge building experiences. The artifacts of primary grade 4 students created in the Google Maps space were analyzed to examine the knowledge building processes based on a location-based mobile learning scenario. We conclude by discussing both possibilities and challenges of knowledge building using mobile Web 2.0 technologies based on our early experiences.