UNIVERSITY MOBILE MESSAGING SERVICES



University Mobile Messaging Services

University Mobile Messaging Services

Introduction

Mobile learning or m-learning is a new learning phenomenon in theand distance learning environments. Although a lot of research have been conducted or still being conduct on the new method of learning, particularly on SMS technology (Bollen, 2004, Mitchell & Doherty 2003, Attewell 2002, Ketamo 2002, Seppala 2002, Stone 2002) however in, the mobile learning paradigm is still in an embryonic stage. Mobile learning is a field which synchronizes two promising field namely the mobile computing and e-learning (Trifonova, 2002). The Short Message Service (SMS) is one of the most ubiquitous wireless technologies on Earth. Each year hundreds of billions of messages are sent, demand continues to grow, and competition between cellular providers is driving prices down. These trends create practical opportunities for the use of SMS in mobile systems. In this paper we present the design and implementation of an SMS-based data channel. Through integration with an existing mobile platform, we show that the SMS has little operational over head and provides efficient, reliable transport for large messages send over the cellular network, where message losses frequently occur.

Research Objective

The objective of the research is to investigate the effectiveness usages of Short Messaging System (SMS) as a supplementary learning tool in University. The focus is on the project called “mySMS”, a service provide to the learners in the coming August Semester.

Research Method

This pilot project will involve 50 learners. Learners who are registered to Management Information Systems, Strategic Information Systems and Human-Computer Interaction shall involve as participants in this project. The learners will be provided with self-learning modules, access to web-based Learning Management System (LMS), namely myLMS. The web-based LMS consists of the following components: e-mail, chatting room, online forum and digital library will assist learners in their learning activities during the semester period. Three tutors will be assigned to facilitate and monitor the academic progress of the learners.

These tutors shall use mySMS service as a structured academic notification mechanism in which they can monitor the academic progress of the learners. SMS services which will be provided to learners are as follows :- multiple choice questions with feedback, pre and post self-test, quizzes and assignment notification, crucial assignment reminders, access to examination and test marks, fact of the week, web links, reading material lists, course schedule and calendar as well as access to financial statements and courses registration. The mySMS service is provided as a supplementary component of myLMS offered to learners since 90% of the 24,000 learners owned mobile phones. Moreover, most of them are working in a mobile environment. mySMS has the ability to make learning more widely available and accessible than learners are used to in existing web-based learning environments, i.e. LMS.

Purpose of study

The prime benefit of using mySMS is its potential in increasing productivity by making learning processes available anywhere and anytime, allowing learners to participate in academic activities without the time and place ...