jisc rsc-yh-june-10-portable-networks-v2

Portable networks for mobile learning

Trevor CollinsKnowledge Media InstituteThe Open University, Milton Keynes, UK

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Overview• Portable temporary WiFi networks• Sharing photos on a network• Streaming video over a network• Making VoIP (phone) calls over a network• Designing and developing practical learning activities• Appropriate use of mobile technology to support

learners

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Portable temporary WiFi networks• Enabling Remote Activity project• Challenge: Improve access to

geology fieldwork courses• Solution: Portable temporary

WiFi network– Rapid deployment; instantly

share photos; live video streams; high quality audio

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What geologists need to see

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Example activity: Sketching

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Voice• Problem based

learning approach● Practical

problems● Tutor as a

facilitator● Develop

interpretation and reasoning

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Video

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Example: Howick Haven (Aug’09)

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Portable network services• Sharing photos

– WiFi + Web server + WiFi camera + Web browser• Streaming video

– WiFi + IP camera + Web browser• Making VoIP phone calls

– WiFi + Voice server + Voice client(s)

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Practical learning activities• Portable communications toolkit

– Photos, video, voice and other data• How could this support your teaching and learning?

– Remote access to difficult to reach locations…– Collecting and sharing photos…

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Appropriate use of technology• Costs • Benefits

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Further information• Enabling Remote Activity project

– Website: http://projects.kmi.open.ac.uk/era– Wiki: http://projects.kmi.open.ac.uk/era/wiki – Portable WLAN and Backhaul trials (JANET)

• Blog: http://projects.kmi.open.ac.uk/era/jawlan – Portable VoWLAN (JISC)

• Blog: http://projects.kmi.open.ac.uk/era/vowlan • Email: Trevor Collins <t.d.collins@open.ac.uk>