Location-based mobile learning applications: A conceptual framework for co-design

Abstract

This paper presents a conceptual framework for codesign (by multidisciplinary team) Location-based Mobile Learning Applications. Four stages are identified related with this kind of applications: conceptual design, development cycle, put into practice and evaluation. This paper is focus on the first stage, the conceptual design. For this stage, relevant features are described. In particular, good practices of software engineering could be used for the design stage. As part of conceptual design, guidelines are provided to define learning content decoupled of relevant locations of physical space (indoor or outdoor). This allows to reuse both in different applications.

Mobile Learning Applications: Exploring Location Sensing Mechanisms

“…Taking into an account the four phases proposed [4] to the Location-based Learning Applications (conceptual design, development cycle, put into practice the development and evaluation of the put into practice), these four phases have been performed by the application presented in Section 3.A ("Aprendo Jugando"), which uses QR codes as location sensing mechanism. However, for the functional prototype presented in Section 3.B, which uses beacons as location sensing mechanism, have been carried out the two first phases.…”

“…According to this, in recent years has begun to be explored different approaches or tools to facilitate teachers' participation in this task. In [4], four phases related to Location-based Learning Applications are identified: conceptual design, development cycle, put into practice the development and put into practice´s evaluation. For the conceptual design phase, in [4], a conceptual framework is proposed for co-design this kind of applications which is focused particularly on the reuse of both learning contents and relevant locations.…”

“…In [4], four phases related to Location-based Learning Applications are identified: conceptual design, development cycle, put into practice the development and put into practice´s evaluation. For the conceptual design phase, in [4], a conceptual framework is proposed for co-design this kind of applications which is focused particularly on the reuse of both learning contents and relevant locations. This conceptual framework uses the vision of separation of concerns (used in Software Engineering) to address co-design, in which at least teachers and technology experts are involved.…”

“…On the other hand, in [18] an in-situ authoring tool for indoor-outdoor Location-based Learning Applications is presented. This tool defines learning contents and locations in a decoupled way, according to [4]. This information (learning contents and locations) are exported to XML files [15].…”

“…In particular, Location-based Learning Applications provide, in these relevant places, learning content to students through their mobile devices. For example, a learning content could be a question [4]. Related to this kind of applications is involved location sensing mechanisms which allow to sense student's location.…”