Case study: examining the design and educational considerations in developing and implementing a French course using Moodle for use on mobile devices

Abstract

This case study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a Moodle site designed with mobile devices in mind. Mobile devices can be used in a mobile learning (M-Learning) environment which may prove to be more successful than traditional learning for today’s technically minded students. A potential exists to combine mobility in a learning environment to provide learning anywhere and at any time. Students have the opportunity to communicate interactively with their peers or with their teacher at any time, wherever they may be. This case study involved dividing a First Year French class into two groups. The class was divided into two groups based on access to Internet at home and past exam results. Group A students accessed the learning activities and assessments through mobile devices (laptops, tablets and smartphones) and their textbook. Group B students only had access to their textbook. Qualitative and quantitative data collection tools were employed to highlight the learning benefits of Moodle and the textbook. Student motivation, the Hawthorne Effect, multimedia principles and Blended Learning were also examined. The case study found that students in Group A who had access to Moodle and their textbook, consistently outscored the students in Group B.