Augmented Reality in Education?

Wikipedia defines, Augmented reality (AR) is a term for a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are augmented by virtual computer-generated imagery. It is related to a more general concept called mediated reality in which a view of reality is modified (possibly even diminished rather than augmented) by a computer. As a result, the technology functions by enhancing one’s current perception of reality.

Unlike other computing technologies in education, Augmented Reality technology is just beginning to be explored in education.

Mark Billinghurst in his paper ‘Augmented Reality in Education‘ asserted ‘AR interfaces offer seamless interaction between the real and virtual worlds, a tangible interface metaphor and a means for transitioning between real and virtual worlds. Educators should work with researchers in the field to explore how these characteristics can best be applied in a school environment.’
If you are interested to know more, please visit Augmented Reality Gurus weblog at http://sayamobile.wordpress.com/

What is m-learning?

MoLeNet broadly defined mobile learning as ‘the exploitation of ubiquitous handheld technologies, together with wireless and mobile phone networks, to facilitate, support, enhance and extend the reach of teaching and learning‘.

‘Mobile learning can take place in any location, at any time, including traditional learning environments such as classrooms as well as in workplaces, at home, in community locations and in transit. Mobile technologies include mobile phones, smartphones, PDAs, MP3/ MP4 players (e.g. iPODs), handheld gaming devices (e.g. Sony PSP, Nintendo DS), Ultramobile PCs (UMPCs), mini notebooks or netbooks (e.g. Asus EEE), handheld GPS or voting devices, and specialist portable technologies used in science labs, engineering workshops or for environmental or agricultural study. Mobile learning involves connectivity for downloading, uploading and/or online working via wireless networks, mobile phone networks or both, and linking to institutional systems e.g. virtual learning environments (VLEs) and management information systems (MIS).‘

Watch a short video of Geoff Stead, Director of Tribal’s Digital Learning Studio, and Jo Colley, an expert in learning technology, talk about what mobile learning is and how it can be used with different groups of learners.

iPad or Tablet PC?

Refering to WikiAnswers, ‘IPAD is a new mix of the iPhone to Apple, Apple iTouch, and a full notebook / laptop. Using the touch screen you can use the Internet for research applications, listen to music, movies and games this new Apple iPad‘.

Tablet PC was launched almost a decade ago but failed to get significant market share. The main reason is that they are more costly than a laptop with similar spec. If we look closely, iPad is not a Macbook ‘light’ but it is an iPhone ‘heavy’ device. In my opinion, iPad is really for people that want a lightweight, cheap, limited device in addition to their heavy and bulky laptop. Therefore, iPad will definitely be competing with Netbook and eReaders, especially as more netbooks built in touch capabilities to their machine. Only time will tell.

iPod and iPhone enable mLearning

While doing research for my dissertation, I came across this interesting video showing how mobile devices can change the way we learn.