Trials

• The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens trials
• Evaluation of The Foreshore Walk prototype
• Evaluation of the Plant Adaptations resource
• The Assessor trials
• Issues for people with a disability who wish to use a PDA in an educational setting
• Moblogging: informal, reflective learning and knowledge managemen
• Digital Coaching Aids
• Builders are always on the mobile phone aren't they!

Trials

The Mobile Learning: handheld innovations in flexible learning project undertook a number of trials within various contexts. Each summary below contains a link to more information providing the trial context, demonstrators, evaluation and resources available for use.

 1. The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (RTBG)

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens has been part of a unique partnership for the development of learning resources for enterprise mobile learning.

Four trials were conducted by the staff of the RTBG covering various aspects of the functions of the garden. The gardens provide educational tours, classes and demonstrations as well as a range of plant interpretation services for interest groups, schools and other educational bodies.

The trials consisted of

• Pete's Vegie Patch
• Plant Adaptations
• Catalogue of Tree Disorders
• Foreshore Walk

'A sense of being involved in cutting-edge technology has enthused participants and brought an awareness of how the RTBG can integrate technology into its workplace environment.'  Richard Symmonds, Manager Botanical Estate, RTBG

More information on the RTBG trials, resources and outcomes.

2. The Assessor trial

Developed within a horticultural and workplace assessment context, the Assessor trial focussed on designing a simple assessment data recording process. This process enabled assessors to record assessment data in the field and involved the use of a PDA, a plugin digital camera and imaging software that allowed incorporation of voice and text.

More information on the Assessor trials, resources and outcomes.

3. Issues for people with disabilities

What are the options for people with disabilities entering the mobile learning environment? This interesting case study by James Newton provides some answers.

More information on the mobile learning options for people with disabilities.

4. Moblogging

Can you use a handheld device for remote information transfer? Kirsty Sharp provides some practical examples from her experiences with MoBlogs.

More information on the Moblogging trial, resources and outcomes.

5. Creating digital PDA resources using Microsoft® PowerPoint®

During this project we have investigated the potential of using Microsoft® PowerPoint® for the development of simple interactive resources for PDAs with considerable success.

More information on the PDA resource creation.

6. Site inductionf for builders

The mobile learning team from the New England Institute of TAFE have developed a comprehensive mobile induction package for the building industry.

More information on the building industry trial, resources and outcomes.