As part of the project “Ubiquitous Learning: Mobile Devices and Learning Environments in the Initial Training of Secondary School Teachers in Uruguay,” the first phase of the workshop “Flipping the Classroom and Facilitating Mobile Learning” has begun. A total of 71 teachers and advanced teacher-training students from across the country registered for the workshop.
The course is designed to enable participants to design mobile learning experiences and implement them in the context of a flipped classroom.
Students are expected to be able to:
- understand what mobile learning is and what its benefits are.
- understand what the flipped classroom is and its benefits.
- distinguish between and use various digital tools and mobile apps that facilitate a wide range of learning activities.
- produce digital content tailored to the specific characteristics of different mobile devices.
“Flipped Classroom and Mobile Learning” consists of two phases. The first phase is entirely online. The second phase is in-person. In total, participants will be required to commit 120 hours between March and April 2018.
The course is coordinated by Dr. Carmen Yot, a professor and researcher at the University of Seville.
Stage 1: Online Training
Start date: Friday, March 2, 2018.
End date: Friday, April 13 (no extension available).
Objectives:
- to address the concept of mobile learning, so that teachers can clarify what it does and does not entail.
- encourage teachers to flip their classrooms and motivate them to use mobile devices.
- to familiarize teachers with various digital tools and mobile apps that will enable them to implement a variety of learning activities.
Program:
The training begins with an introductory module on the Coursesites platform, designed to familiarize participants with the various tools available to them and their capabilities.
It continues with three study modules:
Module 1: Introduction to Mobile Learning.
Start date: March 9.
End date: March 16.
Module 2: Flipped learning, or how to flip the classroom.
Start date: March 16.
End date: March 23.
Module 3: Learning Activities Using Mobile Devices.
Start date: March 23.
End date: April 13.
Topics to be covered:
Mobile learning; mobile devices; flipped classroom; podcasts; educational videos; e-books; social media; self-assessments; augmented reality; gamification; QR codes.
Methodology:
On the Coursesites platform, participants have access to the materials needed to complete the program’s three modules, including a selection of scientific articles, case studies, and videos. The platform explains key concepts and presents real-world examples that can serve as both models and sources of inspiration.
Forums are the primary means of communication. They are used to address questions and encourage reflection, discussion, and the exchange of information. Participation is essential.
However, there has internal messaging system on the platform to facilitate more personal and direct communication with instructors and among classmates.
Evaluation:
Various assessment activities are assigned and must be submitted on time and in the required format. Submissions are made through the “assignment inbox” by the deadlines listed in the schedule, which is available in each course module.
The assessment is conducted according to a rubric, which is provided to participants in advance.
This phase of the training is considered complete only if participants pass the various assessment activities. To do so, participants must score at least 5 out of 10 points.
Stage 2: In-person
Date: April 16, 17, and 18, 2018.
Objectives:
- introduce teachers to the use of digital tools and mobile apps.
- help teachers create digital content for mobile learning, using various digital tools and mobile apps.
Program:
Module 1: Teaching Outside the Classroom.
Module 2: Innovation in the Classroom.
Contents:
Anchor; Kizoa; Screencast-O-Matic; H5P; MindMup; EDpuzzle; Educaplay; Kahoot!; QR Code Generator; QR Code Reader; Aurasma.
Methodology:
It will be primarily practical in nature. With guidance and support from the instructor, participants will learn how to use the various digital tools and mobile apps covered in the online training phase.
As a result, they will be proficient in using the technology and will be involved in creating digital content, which they can then incorporate into their classrooms. Any questions or issues will be resolved on the spot.
Evaluation:
Participants must submit at least two digital resources or projects that demonstrate their ability to support mobile learning and the flipped classroom model.