1. Learning with Technology In, About, Through, and Despite Context
Mike Sharples
Institute of Educational Technology
The Open University, UK

2. As learning extends beyond the classroom, so context becomes a central construct in educational theory and practice
“What do we mean by the word ‘context’ in education and how does our context influence the way that we learn?”
Rose Luckin, 2010, Re-designing Learning Contexts

3. Learning in context
Learning about context
Learning through context
Learning despite context

4. Learning in context
Being aware of changes in physical, social and conceptual environment
Integrating signs and signals from one’s surroundings to assist learning
Cycle of engagement and reflection

5. Learning in context Computer User Context
Data filtering and integration
Data filtering and integration
Computer User

6. Mobilearn/CAGE at Nottingham Castle museum

7. CAGE system Navigation in a conceptual space through physical movement
Location-based content delivery
Ultrasound tracking system
Context awareness:
which painting?
how long?
been there before?

8. CAGE Architecture Content Server Environment Sensors Context Awareness
metadata
XML
Content
Environment
Sensors
XML
Content
recommendations
XML
User profile
XML
Context
Awareness
Subsystem
XML
User input

9. Issues with technology-mediated learning in context
Enabling reflection in context
Recognising and modelling the dynamics of interaction between people and their environment
Dynamic information filtering and data integration
Artificial Intelligence Frame Problem
Determining what aspects of the current situation are relevant
Matching data from sensors to continually evolving negotiations between people and their surroundings

10. PaSAT Peter Lonsdale PhD
Learning through engagement and reflection in context
Custom software to author and run location-based games
Laptop server, PDA clients, GPS positioning, wireless-LAN

11. Web-based authoring tool
PDA client with GPS positioning

12. Build-IT game Choose the best locations for 3 new buildings
Have to be at the site to estimate
Factors to consider:
Minimise Cost
Minimise Risk (e.g. environmental impact)
Cost and Risk both vary depending on location and size of building

13. Factors that affect cost and risk are visible in the environment
Slopes cause flood risks
Micro-sites for learning
Soft land needs more expensive foundations
Being outdoors in the environment is part of the game
Houses nearby lead to planning objections

14. Learning about context
Learner is deliberately trying to make sense of the surroundings
Technology used as a tool to interpret the environment

15. Augmenting and interpreting the landscape
Priestnall, G., Brown, E., Sharples, M. (2009) A student-led comparison of techniques for augmenting the field experience. In D. Metcalf, A. Hamilton & C. Graffeo (eds.) Proceedings of 8th World Conference on Mobile and Contextual Learning (mLearn 2009), Orlando, Florida, 28-30th October, University of Central Florida, p

16. Learning through context
Learning as situated social interaction and knowledge construction Creating micro-sites for learning

17. An interaction view of context
Context is a dynamic and historical process
to enable appropriate action (learning)
constructed through interaction between people, settings, technologies, objects and activities

18. Modelling context Context Context state Context sub-state
What is going on over time
Context state
Elements from the Learning and Setting at one particular point in time, space, or goal sequence
Context sub-state
Elements from learners and settings that are relevant to the current focus of learning and desired level of context awareness

19. Learning despite context
Seamless continuity of learning despite changes in context
Abstraction away from immediate changes in environment
Flow state of engagement
Oblivious to surroundings
Technical issues of preserving state across devices and settings
Educational issues of maintaining relevant learning

20. Learning through context Learning about context
High interaction with context
Learning through context
Learning about context
Low awareness of context
High awareness of context
Learning
despite
context
Learning in
context
Low interaction with context