Trainee History Teachers Using iPads in

fieldwork

Focus: Authenticity: Task and Setting

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Introduction

This scenario explores how trainee history teachers in the UK use their mobile devices (iPads) to support their learning during a fieldwork visit to the battlefields of the First World War. This is traditionally a ' pen and paper' exercise, with students collecting data on a clipboard. This scenario illustrates how mobile technologies can be used in a genuinely mobile fashion in a very situated context to collect and construct data.

Objectives of this scenario:
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•  to demonstrate how tablet computers (iPads) can be used to support trainee history teachers outside of formal classrooms
• to illustrate how a traditional task can be made more authentic and meaningful with the support of mobile technologies in a non-formal setting
• to raise awareness of how the setting (in this case a First World War battlefield) can be transformed into a learning opportunity using mobile technologies

Description of the learning scenario

​ Students used their iPad to capture data during their visit to several First World War battlefields and cemeteries. This included the use of the camera tool (images and video) and the audio recording facility to capute interviews.

They also used their iPad to follow instructions and undertake tasks related to the visit, using an iBook [link her to the book] that had been created for them by their tutor. This enabled students to read, listen and watch resources (e.g. a video) before they arrived at each site, saving time and allowing students to focus more on the actual site itself. It gave them greater control over how they experienced the visit and more choices about what they captured and took away with them (Agency).

In addition to capturing data, students also used their iPad to construct a narrative about an individual soldier (their namesake) they had been asked to research. At each site students collected this information and used it later to construct, their own iBook [link here to examples]

Impact of the learning scenario on students

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Explain Everything

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Tools used in this scenario

This scenario featured the use of iPad devices by students. Each student has access to a personal devices during the activity.

As the video shows, students reported several advantages in using an iPad compared to traditional methodologies. They liked the fact that they only needed one device to undertake the field work rather than several (e.g. a camera; a voice recorder; a clipboard; pens and pencils) which would normally be the case. They also appreciated the opportunity to gain direct and immediate access to information about the visit when and where wifi was available. They found the iPad easy to use and often used it to record when the lead tutor was talking. The information that was collected was also available immediately in a digital format and could be used to make their own eBook without the need for any complicated editing tools or high level skills.

How could this scenario be extended?

​In the future the tutor would like to find more context sensitive tools and apps that students could use in the setting to identify and record where they were at the time (e.g. using GPS). It would be useful to have more augmented reality tools to overlay what they can see at each site with what was happening during the war. He also wants to find more ways to encourage students to take even more responsibility for their own learning during the visit.

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