Activities / Projects

myPad Mobile Learning Environment (MLE)

The myPad project aims to enhance and transform students’ approach to learning in a mobile learning environment.

What is myPad?

A clinical activity tool that uses handheld devices for students to record, organise, access and reflect on the relationship between theoretical and practical learning experiences. It is an evolutionary, student-centred project where responses and research findings will be incorporated into emerging design features.

myPad is a web application developed with Microsoft ASP.NET, AJAX, and Microsoft SQL Server technologies which dynamically renders page layout depending on whether it’s accessed from a full desktop or mobile browser. The devices allow web access either via wireless networks, 3G or GPRS, providing access to myPad from anywhere in the world.

Current functions include:

myEntries, a page where students can:

• summarise, categorise and tag a learning event, experience or file attachment
• reflect on this
• note sources of information, further learning resources and identify activities to deepen their understanding
• attach files such as relevant documents, photographs or audio / video clips.

myResponses, a page for students to notify us instantly about:

• their experience of using myPad
• any issues they encounter
• any ideas for developing the application further.

Guidance, a set of pages aimed at helping students to:

• get the most out of this unique way of learning
• use the functions within the application.
  

Research and Development

Initial hypothesis

Students provided with an appropriate handheld device (supported by a PC) will experience enhanced learning in the challenging environment of the workplace.

Sample and data gathering

25 x 3rd and 4th year student volunteers. November 2006 - July 2007. Methods include ongoing feedback, questionnaires and focus groups.

Research questions include:

What factors influence:-

• effectiveness and appropriate design of MLE
• student “buy in” and sustained use
• transformative approaches to learning
• effective use of mobile devices?

Early days - progress report

Volunteers have been enthusiastic about the potential of the device and myPad. The first questionnaire (96% response rate) highlights key elements for further development. Students have yet to use myPad to its full potential and are keen for more structure to support their entries.

Formative research findings are being used to structure a series of tasks to support and enhance effective clinical reasoning and record keeping and reflection.

Mobile devices supplied by our sponsor Orange.