Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The impact of a mobile personal learning environment in different educational contexts

  • Long paper
  • Published:
Universal Access in the Information Society Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The emergence and application of information and communication technologies in educational contexts imply changes in the tools used to teach and learn. However, this use does not guarantee the success of such processes. For instance, learning management systems are very popular but also very focused on the institution, which means that they cannot take into account all learning that happens beyond the institution throughout learners’ lives. Personal learning environments (PLEs) and mobile technologies can be a solution to support such lifelong learning, but what happens in them should be taken into account by the institution. This paper presents a service-based framework to make this type of interaction possible, the communication of mobile PLEs with the institutional learning platforms. The framework has been implemented as an Android solution and tested by students and teachers. From these tests, it can be seen that the definition of a mobile PLE is possible and its use increases students’ motivation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. García-Peñalvo, F. J.: Advances in E-learning: Experiences and methodologies. Information Science Reference (formerly Idea Group Reference). Hershey, PA, USA, Information Science Reference (2008)

  2. Conde, M.Á., García, F.J., Rodríguez-Conde, M.J., Alier, M., Casany, M.J., Piguillem, J.: An evolving learning management system for new educational environments using 2.0 tools. Interact Learn Environ 22(2), 188–204 (2014). doi:10.1080/10494820.2012.745433

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Webb L (2009) The future of higher education: two contrasting viewpoints. http://www.utahpolicy.com/featured_article/the-future-higher-education-two-contrasting-viewpoints. Accessed 10 Jan 2010

  4. Conde, M.Á., García-Peñalvo, F.J., Rodríguez-Conde, M.J., Alier, M., García-Holgado, A.: The learners’ and teachers’ perception of LMS openness in educational and technological areas. Comput Human Behav 31, 517–526 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Prendes, M.P.: Plataformas de campus virtuales de Software Libre: Análisis compartivo de la situación actual de las Universidades Españoles. Informe del proyecto EA-2008-0257 de la Secretaría de Estado de Universidades e Investigación (2009)

  6. Wexler, S., Dublin, L., Grey, N., Jagannathan, S., Karrer, T., Martinez, M., Mosher, B., Oakes, K., Barneveld, A.V.: Learning management systems. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the truth. Guild Research 360 Degree Report. The eLearning Guild (2008)

  7. Avgeriou, P., Papasalouros, A., Retalis, S., Skordalakis, M.: Towards a pattern language for learning management systems. Edu. Technol. Soc. 6(2), 11–24 (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Downes, S.: E-learning 2.0. Elearn magazine 2005 (10):1 (2005). doi:10.1145/1104966.1104968

  9. Wesch, M.: From knowledgeable to knowledge-able: Learning in New Media Environments (2009) http://www.academiccommons.org/2009/01/from-knowledgable-to-knowledge-able/#more-470. Accessed 19 Jan 2014

  10. Adell, J., Castañeda, L.: Los Entornos Personales de Aprendizaje (PLEs): Una nueva manera de entender el aprendizaje. In: Roig Vila R, Fiorucci M (eds) Claves para la investigación en innovación y calidad educativas. La integración de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación y la Interculturalidad en las aulas. Stumenti di ricerca per l’innovaziones e la qualità in ámbito educativo. La Tecnologie dell’informazione e della Comunicaziones e l’interculturalità nella scuola. Marfil—Roma TRE Universita degli studi, Alcoy, Spain (2010)

  11. ITU: Measuring the information society. International Telecommunication Union, Geneva (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Buchem, I., Attwell, G., Torres, R.: Understanding personal learning environments: Literature review and synthesis through the activity theory lens. Paper presented at the The PLE Conference 2011, Southampton, UK (2011)

  13. Conde, M.Á., García-Peñalvo, F.J., Alier, M.: Interoperability scenarios to measure informal learning carried out in PLEs. Paper presented at the Third IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Networking and Collaborative Systems, IEEE INCoS 2011, Fukuoka, Japan (2011)

  14. Pettit, J., Kukulska-Hulme, A.: Going with the grain: mobile devices in practice. Aust. J. Edu. Technol.23(1), 17–33 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Jenkins, H., Purushotoma, R., Clinton, K.A., Weigel, M., Robison, A.J.: Confronting the challenges of participatory culture: Media education for the 21st century. (2006) http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED536086.pdf. Accessed 19 Jan 2014

  16. Attwell, G., Cook, J., Ravenscroft, A.: Appropriating technologies for contextual knowledge: Mobile personal learning environments. Paper presented at the Second World Summit on the Knowledge Society, WSKS (2009)

  17. Sharples, M.: The design of personal mobile technologies for lifelong learning. Comput. Educ. (2000). doi:10.1016/s0360-1315(99)00044-5

    Google Scholar 

  18. Whalley, W.B., France, D., Park, J.R., Welsh, K., Favis-Mortlock, D.: Flexible personal learning environments, developed with notebook computers, to enhance learning in fieldwork learning spaces. Paper presented at the The PLE Conference 2011, Southampton, UK (2011)

  19. Sha, L., Looi, C.K., Chen, W., Zhang, B.H.: Understanding mobile learning from the perspective of self-regulated learning. J. Comput. Assist. Learn. (2012). doi:10.1111/j.1365-2729.2011.00461.x

    Google Scholar 

  20. Ignatko, I., Zielasko, D.: Mobile personal learning environments. Mobile Learning, Paper presented at the Seminar (2011)

  21. van Harmelen, M.: Personal learning environments. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the Sixth IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, Kerkrade, The Netherlands (2006)

  22. Sharples, M., Corlett, D., Westmancott, O.: The design and implementation of a mobile learning resource. Personal Ubiquitous Comput (2002). doi:10.1007/s007790200021

    Google Scholar 

  23. Götzelt, K-U., Bodendorf, F.: Personal learning environments on mobile devices. Paper presented at the IADIS international conference on cognition and exploratory learning in Digital Age (CELDA 2008), Freiburg, Germany (2008)

  24. Cook, J.: Longitudinal, educational design research investigation of the temporal nature of learning: taking a Vygotskian approach. Journal of Interactive Media in Education 11, 1–20 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Thüs, H., Akbari, M., Schroeder, U.: Mobile personal environment for higher education. Paper presented at the PLE Conference 2011, Southampton, UK (2011)

  26. Perifanou, M.: Using iphone as my “personal mobile language learning environment”: an exploration and classification of language learning possibilities. Paper presented at the PLE Conference 2010, Barcelona, Spain (2010)

  27. Molly: Molly project: the open source mobile portal. (2010) http://mollyproject.org/. Accessed 19 Jan 2014

  28. Jennings, T.: Technology audit: campusM. Ovum’s Knowledge Centers (2011)

  29. Razavi, M.N., Iverson, L.: A grounded theory of information sharing behavior in a personal learning space. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the 2006 20th anniversary conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work, Banff, Alberta, Canada (2006)

  30. Gillet, D., Law, E.L.C, Chatterjee, A.: Personal learning environments in a global higher engineering education Web 2.0 realm. In: Education Engineering (EDUCON), IEEE, 14–16 April 2010 pp 897–906. (2010) doi:10.1109/EDUCON.2010.5492483

  31. Aplix-Corporation Aplix web runtime. (2009) http://wiki.webvm.net/wrtc/. Accessed 20 April 2012

  32. DEV.OPERA (2011) Widget runtime: WAC-1.0-compliant Golden for Android. http://dev.opera.com/articles/view/labs-widget-runtime-wac-1-0-compliant-golden-for-android/. Accessed 19 Jan 2014

  33. Sachse, J.: The standardization of widget-APIs as an approach for overcoming device fragmentation. GRIN Verlag GmbH (2010)

  34. Pratt, J., Hinkelman, D., Bateson, G., Gettings, B., Sekiya, N., Takemoto, T.: Moodle for Mobile. (2006) http://docs.moodle.org/en/Moodle_for_Mobiles. Accessed 19 Jan 2014

  35. Yingling, M.: Mobile moodle. J. Comput. Sci. Coll. 21(6), 280–281 (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  36. Alier, M., Casany, M.: Moodbile: Extending Moodle to the mobile on/offline scenario. Paper presented at the IADIS international conference mobile learning, April 2008, Algarve, Portugal (2008)

  37. Conde, M.Á., Muñoz, C., García, F.J. Sistemas de adaptación de contenidos para dispositivos móviles. Paper presented at the Actas del Congreso de IX Congreso Internacional de Interacción Persona: Ordenador, Albacete (2008)

  38. Meisenberger, M., Nischelwitzer, A.: The mobile learning engine (MLE): a mobile, computer-aided, multimedia-based learning application. Paper presented at the Multimedia Applications in Education Conference, MApEC’04, Austria (2004)

  39. Casany, M.J., Conde, M.Á., Alier, M., García, F.: Applications of service oriented architecture for the integration of LMS and m-learning applications. Paper presented at the Fifth International Conference on Web Information Systems and Technologies—WEBIST 2009, Lisboa (2009)

  40. Sakai: Google Summer of Code Ideas 2011. https://confluence.sakaiproject.org/display/MGT/Google+Summer+of+Code+2011+ideas+list#GoogleSummerofCode2011ideaslist. Accessed 19 Jan 2014

  41. Conde, M.Á., García-Peñalvo, F.J., Alier, M., Piguillem, J.: The implementation, deployment and evaluation of a mobile personal learning environment. J. Univer. Comput. Sci. 19(7), 854 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  42. Vavoula, G., Sharples, M.: Meeting the challenges in evaluating mobile learning: a 3-level evaluation framework. IGI Global (2009). doi:10.4018/jmbl.2009040104

    Google Scholar 

  43. Perry, N.E., Winne, P.H.: Learning from learning kits: gStudy traces of students’ self-regulated engagements with computerized content. Educ Psychol Rev (2006). doi:10.1007/s10648-006-9014-3

    Google Scholar 

  44. Winne, P., Jamieson-Noel, D., Muis, K.: Methodological issues and advances in researching tactics, strategies, and self-regulated learning. In: New Directions in Measures and Methods, vol. 12, pp. 121–155. Elsevier Science Ltd (2002)

  45. Wilson, S., Sharples, P., Griffiths, D.: Distributing education services to personal and institutional systems using widgets. Paper presented at the Mash-Up personal learning environments: 1st Workshop MUPPLE’08, Maastricht, The Netherlands (2008)

  46. Casquero, O., Portillo, J., Ovelar, R., Romo, J., Benito, M.: Google and gadgets as a platform for integrating institutional and external services. Paper presented at the Mash-Up Personal Learning Environments: 1st Workshop MUPPLE’08, Maastricht, The Netherlands (2008)

  47. Torres, R., Edirisingha, P., Mobbs, R.: Building Web 2.0-based personal learning environments: A conceptual framework. Paper presented at the EDEN Research Workshop 2008, Paris, France (2008)

  48. IMS-GLC: Common cartridge and basic learning tools interoperability progress and conformance status. (2011) http://www.imsglobal.org/cc/statuschart.html. Accessed 19 Jan 2014

  49. Peret, Y., Leroy, S., Leprêtre, E.: First steps in the integration of institutional and personal learning environments. Paper presented at the Workshop Future Learning Landscape: EC-TEL 2010, 28 September 2010, Barcelona, Spain (2010)

  50. Taraghi, B.: Ubiquitous personal learning environment (UPLE). In: 15th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL), 26–28 Sept. pp 1–8. (2012) doi:10.1109/ICL.2012.6402139

  51. OMG: Business process model and notation: version 2.0. (2011) http://www.omg.org/spec/BPMN/2.0/PDF/. Accessed 28 May 2013

  52. MoodleStats (2014) Moodle stats. http://moodle.org/stats. Accessed 19 January 2014

  53. Cole, J., Foster, H.: Using Moodle. 2 edn. O’Really (2007)

  54. Molist, M.: Moodle llena la geografía educativa española de campus virtuales. Diario el Pais. (2008) http://www.elpais.com/articulo/portada/Moodle/llena/geografia/educativa/espanola/campus/virtuales/elpeputec/20081204elpcibpor_1/Tes. Accessed 19 Jan 2014

  55. Casany, M.J., Alier, M., Conde, M.Á., García, F.J.: SOA Initiatives for eLearning: A Moodle case. Paper presented at the 23rd International Conference on Advanced Information Networking and Applications, AINA, May 26-29, 2009, Bradford, United Kingdom (2009)

  56. Conde, M.Á., Gómez, D.A., Ad, Pozo, García-Peñalvo, F.: Web services layer for Moodle 2.0.: a new area of possibilities in web based learning. Int. J. Technol. Enhanc. Learn. (IJTEL) 3, 308–321 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. IMS-GLC: Basic learning tools interoperability (2010) http://www.imsglobal.org/lti/blti/bltiv1p0/ltiBLTIimgv1p0.html. Accessed 19 Jan 2014

  58. W3C: HTML5. A vocabulary and associated APIs for HTML and XHTML. (2011) http://www.w3.org/TR/html5/. Accessed 19 Jan 2014

  59. Casany, M.J., Alier, M., Mayol, E., Piguillem, J., Galanis, N., García-Peñalvo, F.J., Conde, M.Á.: Extending Moodle services to mobile services: The Moodbile Project. Paper presented at the UBICOMM 2012: The Sixth International Conference on Mobile Ubiquitous Computing, Systems, Services and Technologies, Barcelona, Spain (2012)

  60. Green, J.L., Camilli, G., Elmore, P.B.: Handbook of complementary methods in education research. American Educational Research Association by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc (2006)

  61. Campbell, D.T., Stanley, J.C.: Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for research. Rand McNally (1963)

  62. Siegel, S: Nonparametric statistics for the behavioral sciences. McGraw-Hill (1956)

  63. Miles, M.B., Huberman, A.M.: Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook. Sage Publications (1994)

  64. Berlanga, A.J., García-Peñalvo, F.J., Sloep, P.B.: Towards eLearning 2.0 university. interactive learning environments (2010) doi:10.1080/10494820.2010.500498

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work is partially supported by the Spanish Science and Innovation Ministry through the oiPLE project (ref. TIN2010-21695-C02) and also by the Regional Council of Education of the Junta de Castilla y León through the projects GR47 and MPLE (ref. SA294A12-2).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Computer Science Department, Science Research Institute for Educational Sciences (IUCE), GRIAL Research Group, University of Salamanca, Paseo de Canalejas, 169, 37008, Salamanca, Spain

    Francisco J. García-Peñalvo

  2. Department of Mechanical, Computer Science and Aerospace Engineering, GRIAL Research Group, University of León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, 24071, León, Spain

    Miguel Á. Conde

Authors
  1. Francisco J. García-Peñalvo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Miguel Á. Conde
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Miguel Á. Conde.

Appendix A

Appendix A

This appendix shows in Table 5 the questionnaire items used during the tests and the questions used to gather students’ and teachers’ opinions.

Table 5 Measurement instrument: questionnaire items
Full size table

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

García-Peñalvo, F.J., Conde, M.Á. The impact of a mobile personal learning environment in different educational contexts. Univ Access Inf Soc 14, 375–387 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-014-0366-z

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-014-0366-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation