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Focus and Exploration in Contextual Relevance

Authors:
Mamdouh Eljueidi
Chiara Rossitto
Ilaria Canova Calori

Keywords: contextual relevance; mobile learning; ubiquitous learning

Abstract:
The ubiquity of learning resources can be both empowering and challenging for mobile learners. The development in context-aware computing presents promising tools that support learning activities and offer learning opportunities, through providing the learners with relevant resources. By drawing on an existing model of contextual relevance, this article provides empirical examples of how contextual relevance can emerge and unfold throughout a mobile learning activity. It draws attention to how learning outside the classroom can facilitate engagement with the physical environment and its exploration, thus determining a thin balance between being on track, and triggering new discussions. The findings show that interaction between the ongoing activity and the environment assists focus, whereas exploration is promoted by interaction between the background and past experiences of the learner and the environment. Finally, ontological, interpretational and presentational issues are presented as design challenges.

Pages: 303 to 308

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2011

Publication date: November 20, 2011

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4278

ISBN: 978-1-61208-171-7

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Dates: from November 20, 2011 to November 25, 2011