Critical perspectives on mobile AR and VR from the ASCILITE Mobile Learning SIG

ASCILITE session

Thomas Cochrane
Auckland University of Technology
@thomcochrane

Helen Farley
University of Southern Queensland
@Helssi

Claudio Aguayo
Auckland University of Technology
@caguayoNZ

James Birt
Bond University

Michael Cowling
Central Queensland University
@macowling

Roger Edmonds
University of South Australia
@rogked

Catch this session

Monday 4 December, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Stream 4
Room L209

Abstract

This symposium discussion is based around the special issue of AJET on mobile Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality that the ASCILITE Mobile Learning SIG has coordinated this year (published September 2017). The authors will use the articles to spark discussion around the critical issues surrounding the educational use of mobile AR and VR.

About the authors

Thomas Cochrane

Dr Thomas Cochrane has established an international reputation for excellence in the scholarship of technology enhanced learning (SOTEL), an AJET associate editor, guest editor of the AJET special issue on mobile AR & VR, and the coordinator of the Ascilite Mobile Learning SIG. Thomas has a peer-reviewed research portfolio spanning 46 journal articles, 26 book chapters, and over 120 conference proceedings (http://goo.gl/maps/YxkYP). Thomas was co-lead on the national project Learners and mobile devices (#NPF14LMD): A framework for enhanced learning and institutional change funded by New Zealand’s National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence, AKO Aotearoa. This two-year six institution project broadly explored learners and mobile devices, supported by a collaborative network of practice. Thomas has also developed a successful framework for lecturer professional development supported by the establishment of communities of practice, production of reflective practice publications via SOTEL, and innovations in pedagogy (http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0192-6118).

Helen Farley

Dr Helen Farley is an Associate Professor, Digital Life Lab, University of Southern Queensland.
Helen led the USQ-led Collaborative Research Network (CRN) project with ANU and UniSA to develop a Mobile Learning Evaluation Framework. She is an AJET associate editor, editor of an edited book on mobile learning in the Asia-Pacific region, guest editor of the AJET special issue on mobile AR & VR, and a core member of the ASCILITE Mobile Learning SIG.
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9511-4910

Claudio Aguayo

Dr Claudio Aguayo is the Director – Research & Development, for the App Lab, and Senior Researcher at the Centre for Learning and Teaching, Auckland University of Technology. He completed his PhD at the University of Waikato in 2014, with his thesis entitled ‘The use of education for sustainability websites for community education in Chile’. Claudio is currently undertaking research projects at the local, national and international level in mobile learning, educational App development, use of Virtual Reality in Teaching and Learning contexts, and self-organisation of learning technologies.

James Birt

James is an Assistant Professor of Interactive Media and Design in the Faculty of Society and Design at Bond University, where he runs the Mixed Reality Research Lab (www.mixedrealityresearch.com). His research spans computer science and visual arts, with an emphasis on applied design and development of interactive mixed reality (virtual reality, augmented reality, 3d printing, mobile) experiences assisting learning, skills acquisition and knowledge discovery. The distinctive contribution James brings to education scholarship is in digital media teaching and learning, where he received a 2014 Australian Office of Learning and Teaching citation for outstanding contributions to student learning. James utilises novel pedagogical approaches, curriculum and resources to balance the science and art predilections of his students, whilst supporting them with learning how to learn. His service to the university and wider community has formed around his experience in emerging technology, teaching and learning. Where he takes an active role in supporting learners and peers through mentorship, presentations and expert judging.

Michael Cowling

Dr Michael Cowling is an information technologist with a keen interest in educational technology and technology ubiquity in the digital age, and a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering & Technology at CQUniversity Australia. He is currently a partner in an OLT Innovation and Development grant, and is the recipient of an Australian Government Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning. He founded The CREATE Lab at CQUniversity, focused on collaborative research & engagement around technology and education, and is co-founder of The Mixed Reality Research Lab, in collaboration with Bond University, focusing on mixed reality technology research in education. He is also a regular contributor to media outlet The Conversation and is also a regular contributor in Australian radio and print media on the topics of Educational Technology and Technology Ubiquity.

Roger Edmonds

Roger Edmonds is Online Educational Designer, at the Teaching Innovation Unit, University of South Australia. He is co-leading a Digital Learning Strategy Project on ‘location-based mobile learning’. This project aims to implement location-based mobile learning games in three different UniSA courses in order to inform the development of a mobile learning framework that can be later replicated in other educational contexts. The framework will be used to guide the future design and decision making for providing contextually based mobile learning in the university. It will be used by academics to complement and enrich long their standing (non-digital) teaching and learning experiences with new, genuinely effective digital educational interventions delivered in authentic contexts outside of the classroom.