An Instructional Model That Exploits Pervasive Computing

Abstract

For computing to have a significant impact on teaching and learning, it is clear that each and every child needs to have a computing device for their own personal use 24/7. In our chapter we predict that a disruption will occur in the near term and that cellular phone technology will be used in primary and secondary education as the primary personal computing device, in addition to its use as a voice communication tool. In preparation for this disruption, we describe how a virtual learning environment (VLE), running on a mobile computer, can be used to effectively support a project-based learning (PBL) pedagogy. While this disruption is more likely to take place in developed nations first, given the already considerable penetration of cellular technology amongst youth, there are indications that dramatic change is also occurring already in developing nations.