MoLeNET Academy
In November 2009 Northampton College was one of only eight colleges in the country awarded MoleNET academy status in recognition of the expertise which we have developed in Mobile Learning. As part of this we received capital funding to set up a dedicated Mobile Learning Continual Professional Development (CPD) centre. The Academy will be a centre of excellence for Mobile Learning CPD, and will help to support two new MoLeNET Phase 3 micro projects (at Portland College , Mansfield College and Dearne Valley College) and will contribute to a Mobile Learning capacity building in the English FE sector.
The Academy is based in Northampton College at Daventry, where we will offer internal and external CPD events, in conjunction with both MoleNET and the JISC East Midlands RSC. The Academy provision is fully mobile and as such we will also be able to offer courses off site as requested.
Academy Launch
The academy was launched on 12th February 2010 where Dr Geoff Foot from the LSN presented the College Principal Len Closs with a commemorative plaque. Guests at the launch gained first hand experience of Mobile Learning from some of the Academy staff.
What is MoleNET?
MoleNET is an LSN funded body dedicated to the promotion of Mobile Learning.
The MoLeNET programme uses a broad definition of mobile learning
“The exploitation of ubiquitous handheld technologies, together with wireless and mobile phone networks, to facilitate, support, enhance and extend the reach of teaching and learning.”
Mobile Learning can take place in any location, at any time, including traditional learning environments such as classrooms as well as in workplaces, at home, community locations and in transit.
Mobile technologies used can include:
- Mobile phones
- Smart phones
- PDAs
- MP3/ MP4 players (e.g. iPods)
- Handheld gaming devices (e.g. Sony PSP, Nintendo DS)
- Ultra mobile PCs (UMPCs)
- Mini notebooks or net books (e.g. Asus EEE)
- Handheld GPS or voting devices and specialist portable technologies used in science labs, engineering workshops or for environmental or agricultural study.
Mobile Learning involves connectivity for downloading, uploading and/or on-line working via wireless networks, mobile phone networks or both, and linking to institutional systems e.g. Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) and Management Information Systems (MIS).
What can the Academy do for you?
The Academy will host National and Regional events on Mobile Learning, on behalf of bodies such as MoleNET, and JISC East Midlands RSC.
The Academy will offer bespoke courses for schools and colleges within the East Midlands region, these can either be located at the academy or on your college/school premises.
Examples of topics covered by the Academy
- The use of hand held games machines in the classroom
- Creating and using Vodcasts (Video podcasts) in education
- The effective use of student voting systems
- Mobile assessment
- Mobile e portfolios
- Using Sony PSPs and iPod touches in the classroom
- Using e book readers