Informal learning evidence in online communities of mobile device enthusiasts

This chapter describes a study that investigated the informal learning practices of enthusiastic mobile device owners. Informal learning is far more widespread than is often realized. Livingston (2000) pointed out that Canadian adults spend an average of fifteen hours per week on informal learning activities, more than they spend on formal learning activities. The motivation for these learning efforts generally comes from the individual, not from some outside force such as a school, university, or workplace. Therefore, in the absence of an externally imposed learning framework, informal learners will use whatever techniques,resources, and tools best suit their learning needs and personal preferences. As ownership of mobile technologies becomes increasingly widespread in the western world, it is likely that learners who have access to this technology will use it to support their informal learning efforts. This chapter presents the findings of a study into the various and innovative ways in which PDA and Smartphone users exploit mobile device functionality in their informal learning activities. The findings suggested that mobile device users deploy the mobile, connective, and collaborative capabilities of their devices in a variety of informal learning contexts, and in quite innovative ways. Trends emerged, such as the increasing importance of podcasting and audio and the use of built-in GPS, which may have implications for future studies. Informal learners identified learning activities that could be enhanced by the involvement of mobile technology, and developed methods and techniques that helped them achieve their learning goals

Informal Learning Evidence in Online Communities of Mobile Device Enthusiasts

This paper describes a study that investigated the informal learning practices of enthusiastic mobile device owners. Informal learning is far more widespread than is often realised. Livingston (2000) pointed out that Canadian adults spend an average of 15 hours per week on informal learning activities, more than they spend on formal learning activities. The motivation for these learning efforts generally comes from the individual, not from some outside force such as a school, university or workplace. Therefore, in the absence of an externally imposed learning framework, informal learners will use whatever techniques, resources and tools best suit their learning needs and personal preferences. As ownership of mobile technologies becomes increasingly widespread in the western world, it is likely that learners who have access to this technology will use it to support their informal learning efforts. This paper presents the findings of a study into the various and innovative ways in which PDA and Smartphone users exploit mobile device functionality in their informal learning activities. Vavoula (2004) highlighted some of the difficulties inherent in researching informal learning; it can be intentional or unintentional and people may even be unaware that any learning has taken place. There is also the practical problem of locating a pool of mobile device users who not only engage in mobile informal learning, but who are also willing to provide information about their activities. PDA and Smartphone enthusiasts were targetted as the community most likely to be using their devices in informal learning and participants were recruited from the active community of web forum users. Web forums are internet-based, asynchronous discussion groups that are aimed at people who share a specific interest; in this case, mobile devices. Messages were posted in the forums inviting members to participate in a web survey on informal learning with mobile devices. This approach was successful, generating over 200 responses of which over 100 described informal learning with mobile devices. The findings suggested that mobile device users deploy the mobile, connective and collaborative capabilities of their devices in a variety of informal learning contexts, in quite innovative ways. Trends emerged, such as the increasing importance of podcasting and audio, which may have implications for future studies. Informal learners identified learning activities that could be enhanced by the involvement of mobile technology, and developed methods and techniques that helped them achieve their learning goals. This paper describes the methods used in the study and discusses the results, locating them in the context of the wider literature on informal learning. It explores key issues, such as participation in collaborative informal learning, that emerged from the findings and outlines research directions arising from the study. with mobile devices. This approach was successful, generating over 200 responses of which over 100 described informal learning with mobile devices.Open University, United Kingdo

Assessment of writing text in mobile devices

The input of text on mobile devices has evolved from physical keyboards to virtually displayed touch keyboards. The aim of the paper is to assess and compare two mobile phone text input methods (mini-QWERTY and on-screen keyboards) to analyze which one is more efficient and effective. We review previous works related to text entry metrics and studies on mini-QWERTY physical and virtual keyboards.Eje: Workshop Innovación en sistemas de software (WISS)Red de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI

Evaluation of Design Tools for Rapid Prototyping of Parallel Signal Processing Algorithms

Digital signal processing (DSP) has become a popular method for handling not only signal processing, but communications, and control system applications. A DSP application of interest to the Air Force is high speed avionics processing. The real time computing requirements of avionics processing exceed the capabilities of current single chip DSP processors, and parallelization of multiple DSP processors is a solution to handle such requirements. Designing and implementing a parallel DSP algorithm has been a lengthy process often requiring different design tools and extensive programming experience. Through the use of integrated software development tools, rapid prototyping becomes possible by simulating algorithms, generating code for workstations or DSP microprocessors, and generating hardware description language code for hardware synthesis. This research examines the use of one such tool, the Signal Processing WorkSystem (SPW) by the Alta Group of Cadence Design Systems, Inc., and how SPW supports the rapid prototyping process from an avionics algorithm design through simulation and hardware implementation. Throughout this process, SPW is evaluated as an aid to the avionics designer to meet design objectives and evaluate tradeoffs to find the best blend of efficiency and effectiveness. By designing a two dimensional fast Fourier transform algorithm as a specific avionics algorithm and exploring implementation options, SPW is shown to be a viable rapid prototyping solution allowing an avionics designer to focus on design trade-offs instead of implementation details while using parallelization to meet real-time application requirements

Digital imaging technology assessment: Digital document storage project

An ongoing technical assessment and requirements definition project is examining the potential role of digital imaging technology at NASA's STI facility. The focus is on the basic components of imaging technology in today's marketplace as well as the components anticipated in the near future. Presented is a requirement specification for a prototype project, an initial examination of current image processing at the STI facility, and an initial summary of image processing projects at other sites. Operational imaging systems incorporate scanners, optical storage, high resolution monitors, processing nodes, magnetic storage, jukeboxes, specialized boards, optical character recognition gear, pixel addressable printers, communications, and complex software processes

E-Fibroid Patient Tracking System

The objectives of e-Fibroid Patient Tracking System is to allow information on fibroid patients' to be generated, updated, archived, routed and used for decision making and strategic information analysis with the combined benefits of smart card to support mobility in a pocket coupled with the ubiquitous access which presents a new paradigm for medical information access system. Smart card with the local processing capabilities facilitates the development of active programs that are designed to effectively and accurately manage complex fibroid patient's medical record. Essentially, the patient's information is augmented with active programs residing within the smart card to provide rich services such as record management facilities, security and authentication, and clinical alert system. The intended users are the administrative, doctors, specialists, hospital, clinics and fibroid patients'. The main interest arises on the solutions of providing mobility of medical data or records and preventing the increasing cost, redundancy of treatment and the most importantly obtaining necessary medication for fibroid patients. It provides better security against the misuse of patient data by implementing security mechanisms. The scope of study will covers the literature review on the effect of Multimodal Interfaces and Smart Card in Medical Application. Meanwhile, the methodologies used in the development of the system will follows four process which are planning, analysis, design and implementation. Performance and robustness, together with ease of use, which provides available, accessible and manageable informationon fibroid, are likely essential elements in the final system

NASA Tech Briefs, November/December 1986, Special Edition

Topics: Computing: The View from NASA Headquarters; Earth Resources Laboratory Applications Software: Versatile Tool for Data Analysis; The Hypercube: Cost-Effective Supercomputing; Artificial Intelligence: Rendezvous with NASA; NASA's Ada Connection; COSMIC: NASA's Software Treasurehouse; Golden Oldies: Tried and True NASA Software; Computer Technical Briefs; NASA TU Services; Digital Fly-by-Wire

NASA Tech Briefs, June 1993

Topics include: Imaging Technology: Electronic Components and Circuits; Electronic Systems; Physical Sciences; Materials; Computer Programs; Mechanics; Machinery; Fabrication Technology; Mathematics and Information Sciences; Life Sciences