A Method for Creating Collaborative Mobile Learning Trails

Kevin Walker (1)

1 LKL - London Knowledge Lab

In this paper I report results from recent trials in which students used mobile devices to collaboratively create, edit and share trails. These included 9- to 10-year-olds as well as adult diploma students, in the subject of horticulture in botanic gardens. Findings indicate that a narrow subject focus and a manageable amount of data capture are appropriate in most cases; trails are most effective when framed with structured tasks and a narrow focus. Structure can be introduced through the use of collaboration scripts that specify tasks, roles and groups. Findings also show that audio is an important mode for communication and interpretation, particularly when paired with photos; audio alone is effective when location data is known; but photos alone are much less effective. Audio is especially effective when used collaboratively - for example when two people have a conversation or share their impressions while in front of the object or exhibit of interest.

Keywords: museum learning; mobile learning; learning trails

Domains: Technology for Human Learning

Kevin Walker. A Method for Creating Collaborative Mobile Learning Trails. Kaleidoscope Convergence Workshop, 2006, Amsterdam, Netherlands. pp.7-16. ⟨hal-00190506⟩