QR Cache: Connecting mLearning Practice with Theory

Robert Power
2012 International Conference on Mobile and Contextual Learning  
Qatar presents a unique opportunity to explore potential mLearning applications in a theoretical context. The geographically small country in the Arabian Gulf has nearly ubiquitous mobile and wireless network coverage. The penetration of devices such as smartphones is also incredibly high, including amongst students. And those students have expressed an overwhelming desire to integrate their mobile devices into their learning. With its virtual absence of infrastructural barriers, Qatar offers
more » ... e potential to focus research on how mobile technologies can fulfill the promise of increasing student engagement by creating novel situated learning experiences. QR Cache was developed to provide an exemplar of mobile reusable learning objects (RLOs). In the pilot phase, RLOs accessed by scanning Quick Response (QR) codes were developed to teach English computer terminology. Feedback was solicited from participating students and instructors to demonstrate the desirability of using such RLOs in combination with learners' own mobile devices. The study also draws upon Transactional Distance Theory (TDT) (Moore, 1989 (Moore, , 1991) ) and Koole's (2009) FRAME model to provide theoretical grounding for both RLO and instructional design decisions. Early results show increased engagement, and reduced transactional distance. They also indicate that the RLOs show a strong convergence of the activity types delineated by the FRAME model.
dblp:conf/mlearn/Power12 fatcat:uiwgev5ajratpngkvnquvcs26q