Technical Feasibility of a Mobile Context-Aware (Social) Learning Schedule Framework

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to show the technical feasibility of implementing their mobile context-aware learning schedule (mCALS) framework as a software application on a mobile device using current technologies, prior to its actual implementation. This process draws a set of compatible mobile and context-aware technologies at present and can be used as a reference point for implementing generic mobile context-aware applications. The authors’ mCALS framework retrieves the learner’s location and available time contexts via the built-in learning schedule (i.e., electronic organizer) on a mobile device. These contexts together with the learner’s learning styles and knowledge level (on a selected topic) are used as the basis for the software application to suggest learning materials that are appropriate for the learner, at the time of usage. This retrieval approach eliminates the use of context-aware technologies and the need to directly request the user to enter context information at the time of usage. The authors develop a fully functional prototype of this framework for learners to plan their individual as well as social learning activities amongst one another to make their individual learning processes collaborative and as a way to enhance individual and social learning experiences.