1 Using e and m-learning in a Community-Based Project Module Martina Jordaan Roelf Sandenbergh Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT University.

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Using e and m-learning in a Community-Based Project Module

Martina JordaanRoelf Sandenbergh

Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and ITUniversity of PretoriaSouth Africa

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Community-based project

• The execution of a community service related project aimed at achieving a beneficial impact on a chosen section of society, preferably but not exclusively, by engagement with a section of society which is different from the student’s own social background.

• The development of an awareness of personal, social and cultural values, an attitude to be of service, and a deep understanding of social issues.

• The development of important multidisciplinary and life skills, such as communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.

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Community-based project introduced in EBIT in 2005

Large number of students ( 1600) and projects ( 450)Students generally have good idea skills and need to develop these furtherUtilise IT to facilitate introduction, execution and evaluations of projectsGreat need for IT skills Utilise IT to enhance projects

Community based project module • Students:

– solve unique problems through a project approach within a community

– engage with an open-ended real-life project– take responsibility for their learning and present

evidence of the learning in appropriate ways• Assessment based on:

– achievement of learning outcomes– quality of learning exhibited - not for the  quality

or quantity of service provided

Community based project module • Assessment must drive the learning experience• range of assessment methods are acceptable in

the implementation of EBL , as it needs to match the complex open-ended nature of an enquiry  

• Electronic learning (e-learning)– web-based learning, computer-based learning,

virtual learning and digital collaboration

Electronic learning (e-learning)• Wide set of applications and processes

– web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual learning and digital collaboration

– learning experience involving the acquisition or transfer of knowledge delivered or transacted through electronic means.

Mobile learning (m-learning)• Educational provision where the sole or dominant

technologies are handheld devices– portable technologies like mobile phones,

smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and their peripherals, tablet devices, tablet personal computers and laptop personal computers

• m-learning is collaborative and shared almost instantaneous among everyone using the same content, which leads to the reception of instant feedback and tips

e and m-learning• Emphasise the use of e- and m-learning as means

of supporting students involvement in community engagement projects– Integration into the teaching, learning and

evaluation of the module – Integration of e-and m-learning in projects in the

communities– Ubiquitous availability of cellphones, portable

computers and other tablet devices, it became possible to utilise these mobile devices in community outreach projects in order to address the needs of the community.

IT related projects attractive– Students enrolled in undergraduate courses

already have advanced knowledge of ITC and its application

– Basic computer training and more advanced projects such as the design and development of mobile applications or a website for a non-profit organisation

– Create the opportunity for communities to be exposed on the internet and on mobile network media for possible funding, awareness and marketing

Computer and mobile related training– Need for computer-literacy.

• increase one’s market value to ensure a possible job – Community centres, laboratories in schools and

universities available for training• Basic computer literacy• How to use search engines• Creation of curriculum vitae

Feedback and evaluation• Students find these projects very rewarding, as

they see an immediate improvement in the computer skills of community members

• ‘This project was an incredible experience for me. Teaching the community members has taught me a lot about working with people, about gaining their trust and tending to their needs. It was inspiring to see their confidence grow and to get positive feedback about teaching skills that I thought I never possessed’

Development and uploading of websites• Need at non-profit organisations and schools • Students create and upload the website on the World Wide

Web and, after completion and approval from the community, teach community members to update the websites themselves

• Typcally the first time that they successfully design and develop a website for real use on the internet

• ‘I think the biggest thing that I learned throughout this process was probably the skills I picked up while, essentially, developing my first real-world web application. I learned an enormous amount about how databases, web hosting and domains actually work in the real world, and that's going to be invaluable in years to come.’

Mathematics via MXit• MXit:

– South African mobile social networking platform– Instant messaging on computers and cellphones

South Africa:10 million active users (Facebook 3.7m) 2011

• Mathematics support using MXit – Developed by Laurie Butgereit at Meraka Institute of

CSIR– Dr Maths on MXit

• Use already well known platform• Easy and confidential signing on

– Platform for tutoring of learners by students

Mathematics via MXit• Community-based project students

– Flexible virtual platform for involvement– Confidentiality and security

• Only learners can initiate contact• Conversations recorded

– Feedback• Overall enjoyable and rewarding experience• Helped many learners• Convenient to both learners and students

Dr Math ‘in a lift’• Cellphone sized series of short videos on

mathematics principles– Short (< 1minute)– Interesting, preferably funny– Clear and concise mathematical principle

Dr Math ‘in a lift’• Feedback:

– Improved creativity – hunting for ideas– Learned animation skills– Challenge to change learning to fun

Wiki’s, blogs and podcasts• Marketing for schools and non-profits

– marketing tool in making possible donors and sponsors aware of the outreach projects • Open source software• Wiki: Collaborative websites• Blogs: knowledge sharing• Podcast: audio and video made available

online

Cell phone applications• Mobi sites for schools and non-profits

– ID through barcodes• Linked to physical objects through QR-codes• Utilizes cell phone cameras

• Feedback:• Conceived project• Developed code – niche skill• Success important• Teamwork skills• Importance of client and end-

user perspective

African Honey bee projectProject for poverty alleviationNeed for locating and managing inputs from bee farmersStudents developed tool for determining apiary site positions on Google Earth.

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Community project

• The execution of a community service related project aimed at achieving a beneficial impact on a chosen section of society, preferably but not exclusively, by engagement with a section of society which is different from the student’s own social background.

• The development of an awareness of personal, social and cultural values, an attitude to be of service, and a deep understanding of social issues.

• The development of important multidisciplinary and life skills, such as communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.

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Thank you for your interest in our Community-based project initiatives

Martina and Roelf