Using netbooks to support mobile learners' investigations across activities and places

Gaved, Mark; Collins, Trevor; Mulholland, Paul; Kerawalla, Lucinda; Jones, Ann; Scanlon, Eileen; Littleton, Karen; Blake, Canan; Petrou, Marilena; Clough, Gill and Twiner, Alison (2010). Using netbooks to support mobile learners' investigations across activities and places. Open Learning: The Journal of Open and Distance Learning, 25(3) pp. 187–200.

Full text available as:

Preview

PDF (Accepted Manuscript) - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader
Download (287Kb)

DOI (Digital Object Identifier) Link:	http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1080/02680513.2010.511949
Google Scholar:	Look up in Google Scholar

Abstract

We explore how small-format laptops ('netbooks') have been used within evidence-based investigations undertaken by secondary school students, to what extent these are suitable for effectively supporting learners across different locations and contexts, and their implications for open learning. Over the course of seven trials with 300 students and seven teachers we have gathered data on how netbooks have been used in formal and informal learning contexts, bridging school, field locations and home. The netbooks have supported individual, group and class tasks, and acted as both stand-alone and networked devices. Three themes have emerged: the use of a single device to support inquiries across activities and places; student use and appropriation; and organisation and management. We conclude that netbooks are a category of device that can be highly effective in supporting open learning, although careful consideration is required when considering their deployment and use.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Copyright Holders:	2010 Open University
ISSN:	1469-9958
Keywords:	netbooks; mobile learning; portable technology
Academic Unit/Department:	Institute of Educational Technology Knowledge Media Institute Education and Language Studies > Childhood, Development and Learning Education and Language Studies
Interdisciplinary Research Centre:	Centre for Research in Computing (CRC) Centre for Research in Education and Educational Technology (CREET)
Item ID:	24578
Depositing User:	Mark Gaved
Date Deposited:	12 Nov 2010 13:26
Last Modified:	26 Dec 2012 18:51
URI:	http://oro.open.ac.uk/id/eprint/24578

Actions (login may be required)

	View Item
	Report issue / request change

Policies | Disclaimer