Abstract:

In recent years we have made the following observations at universities:
- The qualifications of elementary students are more and more varying
- Classical lectures believed to be a little bit outdated
- Students want to learn more independent and individual

So we have analysed the progress and enrichment of classical lectures by new media since a couple of years, e.g. by supporting blended learning concepts [1][2].

In recent years mobile devices like smartphones or tablets became more and more popular. Today we can obtain that almost every student is owner of such a device [3][4].

As a consequence, we have combined these aspects and studied the enhancement of lectures by using mobile devices. Therefore we have worked out some tasks as challenges to be fulfilled by such a solution. As an example for a challenge, students should learn in a more effective manner. An example for a task is the existence of animations as additional aspects for the students.

Moreover we have defined some constraints for the renewal process of the lecture, e.g. compability with tools (e.g. Moodle) and standards (e.g. SCORM). Another point is the user interface design, for example the consideration of general using principles [5].
After these groundwork, we started the evaluation by building a prototype for the undergraduate course algorithms and data structures being part of any computer science curriculum. The paper concludes with some lessons learned and an outlook to future tasks.

References:
[1] Herden, Olaf. HyCEC: Hybrid Construction of E-Learning Content. In: Guy Tchibozo (Editor): Proceedings of the Paris International Conference on Education, Economy and Society, Volume 2, Pages 72-86, July 2008, Paris (France).
[2] Herden, Olaf. Constructing Blended Learning and E-Learning Material for Higher Education. In: The Future of Education Conference Proceedings 2011, Volume 1, June 2011, Firenze (Italy).
[3] http://www.theverge.com/2012/3/29/2910399/idc-smartphone-computer-tablet-sales-2011, last visit April-3-2014
[4] http://blog.flurry.com/?Tag=market%20size, last visit April-3-2014
[5] Tanya Elias. Universal Instructional Design Principles for mobile Learning. IRRODL (The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning). Volume 12, Number 2, 2011.