Use of Mobile Phone Technologies in Learning Chrisina Draganova School of Computing, Information Technology and Engineering University of East London (UEL) University Way, London E16 2RD +44 (0) 208 223 2193 c.draganova@uel.ac.uk ABSTRACT This work investigates the potential of using mobile phone technologies in learning and teaching. Experiments with three different systems are presented. to use the œEdutxt  to submit comments, suggestions and questions related to the module. The main benefit of using œEdutxt  is its inclusiveness, i.e. providing the option to students to actively participate in the session by answering/submitting questions or submitting feedback. The lecturer can address some of the submitted answers/questions/feedback immediately or in subsequent sessions using the relevant interface. Categories and Subject Descriptors K.3.1 [Computers and Education]: Computer Uses in Education “ Computer Assisted Interaction. General Terms Experimentation. 3. œUELuHavePassed  SYSTEM œUELuHavePassed  is a Java application for mobile phones developed by Luzia research (luziaresearch.com). The application allows the lecturer to upload question banks and make it available for download and installation to the students. Once installed students can practice the questions and use it as a formative type of assessment. œUELuHavePassed  consists of approximately 80 MCQs from different topics related to the module œInformation Systems Modelling and Design . The main benefit of this system being mobile is that it can be used at any time and any place. Therefore students can practice when they are on the move and want to utilise this time for study. Moreover, the system provides instant feedback to each question, it is cost free for the students and it is suitable for the majority of students ™ mobile phone devices. However, œUELuHavePassed  is more appropriate to support independent study rather than classroom interaction. The students, who downloaded the application, have given positive feedback of using it. Keywords Mobile learning, m-learning, personalized learning 1. INTRODUCTION This study investigates the use of mobile phone technologies in classroom settings and in support of student independent learning. Experiments with SMS and web based systems used in computing related modules are considered and evaluated. Most features of the systems are applicable to any other mobile devices such as notebook or PDA. However, mobile phones have similar capabilities, and they are less costly and more ubiquitous. The aim of this work is to enhance the student learning experience via offering engaging and interactive means of communication, to provide opportunities to students to participate in classroom interaction, to promote an active learning environment and to provide feedback to the lecturer. 4. œMobile Active Learner  SYSTEM œMobile Active Learner  is a web-based application, developed at UEL, accessible via mobile devices. It incorporates functionalities to support students and lecturers in the learning and teaching process. Students using this system can submit comments and questions, practice MCQs, and access information about their modules. Lecturers can upload information and MCQs, answer students ™ questions and get feedback on students ™ progress via a suitable graphical interface. 2. SMS “ œEDUTXT  SYSTEM œEdutxt  (www.txttools.co.uk) is an online application developed and supported by texttools.co.uk which allows the sending and receiving of SMS text messages from a desktop to a large group or single mobile phone instantly. œEdutxt  was introduced to students in a lecture session for œInformation Systems Modelling and Design . The students were asked to submit answers to multiple choice questions (MCQs) via SMS at the end of lecture sessions. The students were also encouraged Copyright is held by the author/owner(s). ITiCSE ™09, July 6 “9, 2009, Paris, France. ACM 978-1-60558-381-5/09/07.

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