Today I should get my Sony VAIO UX1XN. This is an UMPC from Sony which to be honest is a really nice piece of kit.
Apart from using it as a Vista PC (this will be my first real experience of Vista) I will be evaluating the usefulness of the device for both staff and learners.
It has a tiny 4.5″ screen (1024×800) and a dinky little keyboard. However it has two cameras, 32GB Flash-based hard drive and has both 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth.
It will be interesting to see how it performs and how difficult it will be to use with such a small screen, will add further thoughts and experiences later.
Undergraduates are usually way ahead of their tutors when it comes to IT. But texts, podcasts and Web 2.0 can enhance their learning
iPodConsider the evidence. Students are increasingly digitally literate and techno-savvy. There’s no longer a student stereotype; no one-size-fits-all in terms of age, diversity, disability, financial or family commitments. They live and learn in a 24/7 society, juggling family, work and social commitments. We’re also seeing the rise of students as consumers, and managing the expectations this creates falls firmly to lecturers on the front line. Students demand inspired, interactive teaching. Do traditional lectures deliver?
The Mobile Learning Network (MoLeNET) is a unique collaborative approach to encouraging, supporting, expanding and promoting mobile learning, primarily in the English Further Education sector, via supported shared cost mobile learning projects.
Collaboration at UK national level involves colleges and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) sharing the cost of projects introducing or expanding mobile learning and the Learning and Skills Network (LSN) providing a support programme.
There is some interesting ideas here, and the £6m for capital expenditure will provide a definite boost to mobile-learning in the FE sector.
Currently listening to Lilian Soon giving a very interesting and informative presentation on m-learning.
