Using Handheld Technologies for Student Support: A Model

dc.creator	Jane Lunsford
dc.date	2010-04-01T00:00:00Z
dc.date.accessioned	2015-07-20T22:28:36Z
dc.date.available	2015-07-20T22:28:36Z
dc.identifier	1948-075X
dc.identifier	https://doaj.org/article/afb369956c174ad09a1beb9038baf708
dc.identifier.uri	http://evidence.thinkportal.org/handle/123456789/22009
dc.description	This paper summarizes my EdD research, which used an action research approach at The Open University to discover the potential role of mobile technologies as a means of student support in distance education. Tutors produced their own mobile-accessible materials to suit and support their students (including the use of SMS texting), for course-specific knowledge and more general study issues. Increasingly the OU is developing mobile access options and the use of web 2.0 tools is growing within specific courses.SMS texting and the rich media available for mobile learning have proved to be useful and engaging to students. Interestingly, students gave importance to the affective aspects that were bound up with the practical uses of these technologies. Distance institutions work hard to overcome any feelings of isolation inherent in the distance learning process, by providing personal and online communication options: my research showed that students felt that they became more involved with the tutor, tutor group, or general student community, and for some students perhaps mobile access could lead to an increase in motivation and self-confidence and thus improve the likelihood of course completion.I describe a composite model of mobile student support: practical options to support students with their scheduling, in communicating with the institution and each other, in accessing services and resources, in their skills development, and to enhance their perceived connection with the institution. Web 2.0 options can extend the reach to our distance students and encourage students to share advice and ideas.
dc.language	English
dc.publisher	Kent State University
dc.relation	http://rcetj.org/index.php/rcetj/article/view/82/181
dc.relation	https://doaj.org/toc/1948-075X
dc.rights	CC BY-NC-ND
dc.source	Journal of the Research Center for Educational Technology, Vol 6, Iss 1, Pp 55-69 (2010)
dc.subject	Handheld
dc.subject	Mobile
dc.subject	Mobile Support
dc.subject	Student Support
dc.subject	Distance Learning
dc.subject	Theory and practice of education
dc.subject	LB5-3640
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	DOAJ:Education
dc.subject	DOAJ:Social Sciences
dc.subject	Theory and practice of education
dc.subject	LB5-3640
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	DOAJ:Education
dc.subject	DOAJ:Social Sciences
dc.subject	Theory and practice of education
dc.subject	LB5-3640
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	Theory and practice of education
dc.subject	LB5-3640
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	Theory and practice of education
dc.subject	LB5-3640
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.title	Using Handheld Technologies for Student Support: A Model
dc.type	article