Title: Constructing knowledge via mobile devices – one interaction at a time

Authors: Ruthi Aladjem; Rafi Nachmias

Addresses: Knowledge Technology Lab, School of Education, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel. ' Knowledge Technology Lab, School of Education, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel

Abstract: Mobile devices (Smartphones, Tablets, etc.) influence the way we communicate, think, and learn. Reality enhancing, context-aware, mobile applications, 'attach' data onto contexts and objects within our surroundings, thus allowing for a more consolidated knowledge interaction experience. As a result, we suggest that every object in our surroundings is becoming a potential, informal, atomic learning unit – a 'knowledge carrying object' (KCO). Though a single, random, interaction with a KCO may seem trivial, tracking, aggregating, analysing and personalising multiple interactions, across contexts, may facilitate a comprehensive knowledge construction process. This process is essentially connected by the learner's personal profile which may include his/her prior knowledge, learning styles, social preferences and contextual learning needs. This paper reviews the mobile's potential for informal learning, introduces the notion of a KCO, offers a vision of a mobile facilitated knowledge construction process, and suggests research directions for the near future.

Keywords: mobile learning; informal learning; knowledge construction; augmented reality; interaction personalisation; knowledge carrying objects; mobile devices; smartphones; mobile phones; cell phones; tablets; mobile computers; tablet computers; reality enhancement; context-awareness; mobile applications; data attachment; consolidated interactions; knowledge interaction; informal learning units; atomic learning units; single interactions; random interactions; interaction tracking; interaction aggregation; interaction analysis; multiple interactions; learner profiles; personal profiles; prior knowledge; learning styles; social preferences; mobile processes; construction processes; facilitated knowledge; knowledge facilitation; ground-breaking ideas; technology enhanced learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2011.045448

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2011 Vol.3 No.6, pp.599 - 607

Received: 02 May 2011
Accepted: 21 Oct 2011
Published online: 26 Feb 2015 *

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