Mobile learning: the next generation of learning

Table A: Examples of administrative support through bulk SMS

The advantages and successes have already been significant.

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  In response to a reminder for registration for contact sessions, 58% of the learners registered before the closing date compared to the normal expected percentage of below 40%.
  
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  In response to a reminder of the contact session dates, 95% of the learners that registered for the contact sessions, attended.
  
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  Learners respond in mass and almost immediately on information provided in SMS-messages.
  

From a logistical and financial point of view, the successes are also significant.

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  Using print and the postal service to distribute the necessary information to learners would have been more than 20 times the cost of the bulk SMSs.
  
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  While the SMSs provide immediate and JIT (just-in-time) information, the posted information would have taken between 3 and 18 days (depending on the remoteness of the learner) to reach all the learners.
  

The use of bulk SMS for academic learning support:
The University of Pretoria started using SMS for academic learning support in November 2004 in a module of one of the three paper-based distance education programmes in the Faculty of Education, namely ACE: Special Needs Education: Module LPO402.
The pilot project comprises four categories of asynchronous academic interventions during the six-month cycle of this module from October 2004 to April 2005. The four categories are:

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  Academic instructional message (regular bulk type SMS messages).
  
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  IVR (interactive voice response) system for FAQs (students phone in to a “FAQ number” and receive answers from the programmed system).
  
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  SMS quizzes (MCQs are sent to students and a simple answer choice is replied via SMS. Answers and feedback are provided on each quiz).
  
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  SMS question-answer system (students ask questions via SMS regarding a given pre-selected topic and they are then answered automatically by the system via a comprehensive programmed matching system [text database]).
  

Some examples of SMSs sent for academic support are provided in Table B.

CATEGORY	SMS MESSAGE / VOICE RESPONSE	PURPOSE	ENVISAGED OUTCOME
Instruction	LPO 402 student: study section on Assets p43-44 in Tutorial Letter 1 before answering 1.4 of Assign 1. This is also important for your Project & Assign 2. UP	To provide a study tip for a difficult assignment question that normally gets answered incorrectly by students; to prepare students for contact sessions; and to provide a hint for the project and follow-up assignment.	An increase in the quality of assignment answers; and an increase in the quality of contact session interaction.
IVR (Interactive Voice Response)	SMS message: LPO 402 student: phone [phone] to hear more about the most import concept in this module, the asset-based approach. UP Voice message when student reaches 082555777: Hello LPO 402 student. We will now discuss some frequently asked questions on the asset-based approach that will enhance your understanding of this important concept. Press 1 to hear what the asset-based approach is. Press 2 to hear what makes it so unique. Press 3 to hear why you should use it. Further voice responses are available then at each number indicated.	To provide a personalised feel to the automated learning support. Students can listen to mini lectures and explanations in the voice of their teacher.	An increase in learning motivation as well as an enhancement of learning with deeper understanding of certain key concepts. It also ‘personalise’ the interaction. All these needs further research to confirm the anticipated outcomes.
Q&A	Dear student: SMS your questions (1 question per 1 SMS) on the topic: ECO-SYSTEMIC APPROACHES to: 0825558888	To provide students the opportunity to clarify issues and questions without the high cost of a lengthy telephone call; to provide asynchronous learning support; and to lessen the impact on the call centre or the faculty’s telephone tutoring.	An enhancement of achieving the desired learning outcomes. Other successes have not yet been determined. This needs further research.
Quizzes	First SMS message: 1st question: Asset-based initiatives are clarified in a) learning guide p14, b) Assets textbook p14, c) tutorial letter p5. Reply with a, b, or c & send SMS if reply was correct: Correct! The asset-based approach is eco-systemic. Eco-systemic approaches emphasize a) interrelatedness, b) individuality, c) neither. Press & send SMS if reply was incorrect: A needs-based approach emphasizes individuality and an asset-based approach emphasizes interrelatedness. Press C & send [And it continues so forth for up to 5 questions] Last SMS in quiz: Correct! You are on your way to reaching the 2nd and 3rd outcomes of this unit. Now read p 15-18 in learning guide. Good luck! Bye	To review important content; to provide tutoring in order to reach the desired learning outcomes; and to provide remedial support on identified learning shortcomings.	The envisaged outcome is an improvement in the quality of assignment answers and the achievement of the desired learning outcomes. Other successes have not yet determined. This needs further research.