Each year ACU names a handful of Mobile-Learning Fellows, ACU faculty selected through a competitive, peer-review process to examine a topic or issue relevant to the initiative.
Mobile-Learning Fellows / Projects selected for 2012-2013:
- Dr. Bob McKelvain will study the science of cognition and the impact of digital literacy on the learning process.
- Dr. Stephen Baldridge will expand his explorations of the use of mobile devices and social media to facilitate significant increases in learning outcomes.
- Professor Kenny Jones will continue to look at augmented reality relative to enhancing art student performance and assessment capabilities.
- Dr. Cynthia Powell’s collaborative iPad project will focus on authoring and use of a general science iBook for pre-service elementary school teachers.
- Dr. Richard Beck will study the addictions of connectivity: psychological correlations of iPhone and Facebook usage.
- Drs. Ian Shepherd and Brent Reeves’ look at Mobile Data Mining Surveys will focus on pattern analysis and process automation.
- Dr. Melinda Thompson will examine the effects of digital literacy and technology on the spirituality of face-to-face and online students.
Findings from ACU’s 2011-12 Mobile-Learning Fellows are expected in early June. Early results reveal mobile devices in science labs provides greater learning outcomes; mobile use in the arts provides unique opportunity for assessment; and use of tablets affords students unique collaboration opportunities.
“Mobile learning is changing higher education,” said Dr. Scott E. Hamm, Director of mobile- learning research in ACU’s Adams Center for Teaching & Learning. “ We are in a unique place where we are transitioning from the devices that have ushered in these new opportunities to the digital literacies they have afforded us.” This year, ACU will continue our robust research agenda exploring spirituality and technology in ways that will guide us in equipping our faculty and students to develop effective habits for incorporation into their classes and daily lives.