M-Learning research at the School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS) at Athabasca University has been directed at improving mobile device access to distance learning materials through improved device detection, use of mobile device style sheets, and alternate files and graphics that are tailored to smaller screens. However, there is a greater significance placed in determining how learners perceive these enhancements to online learning. During this study, students were directed to access their regular online course materials using their mobile devices, then asked to complete a survey regarding their perception of this experience. This paper discusses the results from this study.

This article presents a methodology for developing learning objects for web-based courses using the IMS Learning Design (IMS LD) specification. We first investigated the IMS LD specification, determining how to use it with online courses and the student delivery model, and then applied this to a Unit of Learning (UOL) for online computer science courses. We developed an editor and runtime environment to apply the IMS LD to a UOL. We then explored the prospect for advancement of the basic IMS LD UOL. Finally, we discussed how to construct ontology-based software agents to use with the learning objects created with the IMS LD Units of Learning.

This article presents a methodology for developing learning objects for web-based courses using the IMS Learning Design (IMS LD) specification. We first investigated the IMS LD specification, determining how to use it with online courses and the student delivery model, and then applied this to a Unit of Learning (UOL) for online computer science courses. We developed an editor and runtime environment to apply the IMS LD to a UOL. We then explored the prospect for advancement of the basic IMS LD UOL. Finally, we discussed how to construct ontology-based software agents to use with the learning objects created with the IMS LD Units of Learning.