Experiences of using a blended mobile learning approach to connect classroom and in-field learning activities in a local culture course

Abstract

In-field learning activities have been identified as being an important way of helping students connect the knowledge learned in the classroom to real world contexts. The advancement and popularity of mobile and wireless communication technologies further provide an opportunity to assist students in linking what they have learned in in-field and classroom activities, including their prior knowledge learned from the textbooks and their real-world experiences acquired across time and space. In this chapter, the instructional model and lead-in procedure of conducting learning activities for an elementary school local culture course are reported to demonstrate how mobile and wireless communication technologies can be used to bridge classroom instruction with in-field activities. Some preliminary findings of such a seamless learning approach are also presented and discussed in terms of learning attitudes, self-efficacy, and identification with local culture.