Ubiquitous learning

Definition

According to Ogata & Yano (2003), the main characteristics of ubiquitous learning are the following:

• Permanency: Learners never lose their work unless it is

purposefully deleted. In addition, all the learning processes are recorded continuously everyday.

• Accessibility: Learners have access to their documents,

data, or videos from anywhere. That information is provided based on their requests. Therefore, the learning involved is self-directed.

• Immediacy: Wherever learners are, they can get any

information immediately. Thus, learners can solve problems quickly. Otherwise, the learner can record the questions and look for the answer later.

• Interactivity: Learners can interact with experts,

teachers, or peers in the form of synchronies or asynchronous communication. Hence, the experts are more reachable and the knowledge becomes more available.

• Situating of instructional activities: The learning could

be embedded in our daily life. The problems encountered as well as the knowledge required are all presented in their natural and authentic forms. This helps learners notice the features of problem situations that make particular actions relevant.

Moreover, ubiquitous learning can be Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) [10] environments that focus on the socio-cognitive process

of social knowledge construction and sharing.

See also: mobile learning

References

Guozhen Zhang; Qun Jin; Shih, T.K. (200). Peer-to-peer based social interaction tools in ubiquitous learning environment, Parallel and Distributed Systems, 2005. Proceedings. 11th International Conference on Volume 1, 20-22 July 2005 Page(s):230 - 236 Vol. 1 (Access restricted).

Hiroaki Ogata and Yoneo Yano, Context-Aware Support for Computer Supported Ubiquitous Learning, IEEE WMTE2004, pp.27-34, Taiwan, March 23-25, 2004. PDF Preprint.

• Li, L., Zheng, Y., Ogata, H., and Yano, Y.: A conceptual Framework of Computer-Supported Ubiquitous Learning Environment, International Journal of Advanced Technology for Learning.

• Li, L., Zheng, Y., Ogata, H., and Yano, Y.: Ubiquitous Computing in Learning: Toward a Conceptual Framework of Ubiquitous Learning Environment, Int’l J. of Pervasive Comp. and Comm..