Mobile Phone Learning Project is an anytime – anywhere mobile project using handheld phone devices with Packmoor Primary School. This project is exploring how effectively a bookable set of 3g-enabled smartphones can be used to support teaching and learning in a primary school.

The school is using mobile phones with access to a filtered internet and 3G access outside the classroom. The project is being supported by Steljes who are providing the online filtering service.

Prior work done in the classroom to familiarise pupils with the devices involved the panoramic camera settings to create images of the trip to Jodrell Bank for display in school and a slideshow demonstration to support their Space topic.

To learn how to create a multimedia tour teachers from Packmoor and CLC staff attended a training day at Longton High CLC with Lynn Hughes from Wildknowledge.

The Wildknowledge suite of software – (WildKey, WildForm and WildMap) which has been  put on the devices allows teachers to manage GPS settings, create files containing data and make video, camera and audio recordings to enhance the collection of information.

Throughout the day teachers learned to create a data-capture form on the PC and then download it to the device and use it to log and record information whilst on location.   Teachers also learned to create geo-referenced trails using  interest points created on their own maps which they then published to download for classroom use.  Packmoor teachers with the support of the CLC have developed an interactive tour based on the theme of local culture.

Evidence of outcomes: initial feedback has shown that learners have happily accepted using the phones as an essential aspect of their everyday learning journey. The collection of a wide variety of data has increased as has the recording and sharing of their work.

Conclusions / Recommendations:

As students become more proficient with these devices more adventurous and exciting projects can be devised and tackled and both teachers and learners begin to focus on creation rather than consumption. The indications are that with good management and support of this technology there can be a real link to improved motivation and engagement.  The use of Wildknowledge this term will be key in allowing us to gain valuable insight and evidence to
support this. Finally we recognize that our schools will need to respond to this rapidly changing classroom context, and understand how introducing these technologies can improve our teaching and learning.

For more info contact

Jenny Hulme on 01782 591040