Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore students' conceptions of context-aware ubiquitous learning (u-learning). The students participated in a u-learning exercise using PDAs equipped with RFID readers. The data were collected from individual interviews with each of the students by a trained researcher, and the responses of the interviewees were further analyzed using the phenomenographic method. The analysis revealed five categories of conceptions of u-learning, including "u-learning as the application of technology," "u-learning as a platform for attaining information," "u-learning as a timely guide," "u-learning as increase of knowledge" and "u-learning as active learning." There conceptions are viewed as a hierarchy, from less advanced to more sophisticated. An in-depth analysis of the students' conceptions of learning indicated that students held multiple conceptions of u-learning. This study further suggests that inquiry practices (such as allowing open-ended exploration for the learning topic) should be addressed in u-learning activities, as these practices may foster more sophisticated conceptions of u-learning.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 137-141 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Internet and Higher Education |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2011 Jul 1 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Conceptions of learning
- Context-aware ubiquitous learning
- Phenomenographic method
- Tree of conceptions of learning
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Education
- Computer Science Applications
- Computer Networks and Communications