Sujan Shrestha
ABSTRACT
The mobile technology field is rapidly expanding and the focus on how it can be incorporated to support learning is also growing. However, the barriers to inclusion of information communication technologies in the public schools of Nepal are still significant and the widespread access to digital content remains a key obstacle. Nepal has a poor communication infrastructure and where available, telecommunication and electricity are poorly maintained or too costly to use. The aim of this exploratory research study is to highlight how an offline mobile learning solution may address some of the technical challenges to support one of the current and most urgent requirements to provide an access to digital content. It will investigate the deployment of previously unexplored low-spec sub US $100 open-source mobile devices to facilitate English language learning and address the knowledge requirements of teachers in government funded public schools of Nepal.
- Brewer, E., Demmer, M., Du, B., et al. The case for technology in developing regions. Computer 38, 6 (2005), 25--38. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- Corlett, D., Sharples, M., Bull, S., and Chan, T. Evaluation of a mobile learning organiser for university students. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning 21, 3 (2005), 162--170.Google ScholarCross Ref
- Dearden, A., Light, A., Heeks, R., and Marsden, G. Innovation everywhere: computing for 9 billion people. Grand Challenges in Computing Research 2010, UKCRC (2010).Google Scholar
- Donner, J., Gandhi, R., Javid, P., et al. Stages of Design in Technology for Global Development. Computer 41, 6 (2008), 34--41. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Evans, M. A., Johri, A., Glasson, G. E., Cagiltay, K., Pal, J., and Sorcar, P. ICT4D and the learning sciences. Proc. ICLS 2008 - Vol. 3, (2008), 229--236. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Goodman, S., Kelly, T., Minges, M., and Press, L. International perspectives: computing at the top of the world. Commun. ACM 43, 11 (2000), 23--27. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Hollow, D. and Masperi, P. An evaluation of the use of ICT within primary education in Malawi. Proc. ICTD 2009, (2009), 27--34. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Hutchful, D., Mathur, A., Joshi, A., and Cutrell, E. Cloze: An Authoring Tool for Teachers with Low Computer Proficiency. Proc. ICTD 2010, IEEE (2010). Google ScholarDigital Library
- Koole, M. A model for framing mobile learning. In Mobile Learning: Transforming the Delivery of Education and Training. AU Press, Athabasca University, (2009), 25--47.Google Scholar
- Mekuria, F. Affordable Mobile Broadband Services: Models & the Way Forward. W3C Mobile Web Initiative (2009).Google Scholar
- Pal, J., Patra, R., Nedevschi, S., Plauche, M., and Pawar, U. S. The Case of the Occasionally Cheap Computer: Low-cost Devices and Classrooms in the Developing Regions. ITID 5, 1 (2009).Google Scholar
- Sahni, U., Gupta, R., Hull, G., et al. Using digital video in rural Indian schools: A study of teacher development and student achievement. AERA (2008).Google Scholar
- Sharples, M. Methods for evaluation mobile learning. In Researching Mobile Learning: Frameworks, tools and research designs. Peter Lang AG, 2009, 17--40.Google Scholar
- Shrestha, S., Moore, J., and Abdelnour-Nocera, J. Offline Mobile Learning for ICT4D. Proc. IADIS Mobile Learning 2010, (2010).Google Scholar
- Shrestha, S., Moore, J., and Abdelnour-Nocera, J. Sustainable Mobile Learning: Open & Offline. Proc. mLearn 2010, (2010).Google Scholar
- Shrestha, S., Moore, J., and Abdelnour-Nocera, J. Offline Mobile Learning: Open Platform, Wikireader & ICTD, Mobile HCI 2010 Workshop Mobile HCI and Technical ICTD: A Methodological Perspective, (2010). Google ScholarDigital Library
- Shrestha, S., Moore, J., and Abdelnour-Nocera, J. The English Language Teaching and Learning Challenges in Public Schools of Nepal: Teacher's Diary Study. Proc. IfIP WG9.4 Conference, 2011, (2011).Google Scholar
- Thapa, D. and Sæbø, Ø. Demystifying the Possibilities of ICT4D in the Mountain Regions of Nepal. Proc. HICSS2011, (2011). Google ScholarDigital Library
- Thapa, D. and Sein, M. K. ICT, Social Capital and Development: The Case of a Mountain Region in Nepal. SIG Globdev Workshop 2010, (2010).Google Scholar
- Toyama, K. and Ali, M. Computing for global development: is it computer science research? SIGCOMM CCR, 39, 5 (2009), 40--43. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Traxler, J. and Kukulska-Hulme, A. Mobile Learning in Developing Countries, (2005).Google Scholar
- Vihavainen, S., Kuula, T., and Federley, M. Cross-use of smart phones and printed books in primary school education. Proc. MobileHCI 2010, ACM (2010), 279--282. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Warschauer, M., Knobel, M., and Stone, L. Technology and equity in schooling: Deconstructing the digital divide. Educational Policy 18, 4 (2004), 562--588.Google ScholarCross Ref
- Waycott, J. The Appropriation of PDAs as learning and Workplace Tools: An activity Theory Perspective. (2004).Google Scholar
Index Terms
- Open-source platform: exploring the opportunities for offline mobile learning
Recommendations
Offline Mobile Learning: Open Platforms for ICT4D
ICALT '10: Proceedings of the 2010 10th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning TechnologiesIn developing countries, mobile devices can play an important role in delivering learning. But, poor information infrastructure and higher costs of mobile devices and connectivity restrict possibilities of providing successful mobile learning services. ...
A theoretical framework for evaluating government open data platform
EGOSE '16: Proceedings of the International Conference on Electronic Governance and Open Society: Challenges in EurasiaRegarding Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the public sector, electronic governance is the first emerged concept which has been recognized as an important issue in government's outreach to citizens since the early 1990s. The most ...
Comments