KLCC, 30 November: The discussions centred on technology and the use of ICT to enhance teaching and learning with special focus on mobile apps and devices.
Dr Ishan Sudeera Abeywardena of COL shared the organisation’s innovative mobile app “Print2Screen” initiative that allows learners to view multimedia embedded in printed course materials via smartphones or mobile devices.
He said the app would overcome concerns of learners’ short attention span as it allows learners to integrate multimedia into printed materials.
Dr Zarmina Tariq Nasir of “Reach Out to Asia” (ROTA), Qatar, has been working closely with Dr Mohamed Ally of Athabasca University, Canada, and Mr Ricky Cheng of COL, on a joint research to improve the education outreach in marginalised and conflict areas.
The team developed the “Aptus System” which uses ICT to provide the means for learning through a specific set of mobile devices. The system consists of a router/server that enables learners and tutors to access digital educational resources on chargeable tablet devices, which can be used on local servers without needing Internet connection. This system has led to learners’ competence in technology use and better accessibility to learning.
Ms Ch’ng Lay Kee from Wawasan Open University (WOU) said Malaysian teenagers are generally very attached to their mobile devices, so learning institutions should leverage on these devices to design short-span learning activities for teenagers to participate in.
Due to the widespread use of mobile devices, Dr Ally felt that teachers should be trained to use mobile phones in teaching instead of banning teenage students from using them in class.