Setting

Setting refers to the place or space where the mobil learning task is situated. In well designed mobile learning activities the setting will be highly realistic, mirroring or replicating those settings in which learning takes place in real world settings. This could include physical settings such as a field trip, a visit to a heritage site or work in the local community where learners take their mobile device with them to collect and analyse data or to participate in networked learning activities. It could also involve virtual spaces such as a video conference link with NASA scientists which would allow learners to participate in a highly authentic exchange of ideas and information. Setting is closely linked to both the task and tools learners are engaged with. 

Task and Tool

The sub-constructs Task and Tool are closely connected in the iPAC framework. Mobile devices enable students to undertake more authentic tasks, using more realistic tools. 

Authentic Tasks are defined as being realistic and offering the kinds of problems encountered by real world practitioners.  Some mobile learning tasks fit a simulation model of authenticity because they use the learning space (e.g. classroom) as a ‘‘ practice field’’  (separate from the ‘‘ real community’’ ) but still provide contexts where learners can practise the kind of activities they might encounter outside of formal learning settings. Alternatively, under a participation  model of authenticity, students participate in the actual work of a professional community, engaging directly in the target community itself. Tasks that are weak in authenticity are decontextualised, compared to tasks that are high in authenticity that are highly realistic.

Mobile devices also give learners access to a wide range of apps and Tools that mediate how they learn and undertake tasks. In well designed tasks the Tools that learners use are highly realistic like those that would be used by real-world practitioners or professionals. For example, learners might use a tool like Wind Tunnel Pro, an app that mimics the kind of tools real world engineers might use to test models for their aero-dynamic qualities. On the other hand, some apps and tools are highly simulated or even artificial and have little or no resemblance to those found in real-world practice. A number of so-called 'skill and drill' apps in subjects like literacy and numeracy fall into this category. Although they serve a purpose in supporting the development of basic skills, this kind of tool is not likely to be rated as high in authenticity by learners.