MOBILE-SUPPORTED FIELDWORK EDUCATION IN THE FORM OF PERFORMANCE SUPPORT SYSTEM

Integrating performance-centered learning and m-learning, results in a performance-centered mobile learning approach, in which students receive performance support via a mobile device when performing job-related tasks. Fieldwork has long been identified as providing students undertaking professional studies with a means of implementing theory into a real life context. One of the typical specific fields where the educational process may greatly benefit by a mobile technology that enables interactive outdoor distance learning is industrial engineering. There is by necessity a close relationship with industry, as engineering students need to apply their technical, management and business skills in an industrial context. This paper reports our experience using performance-centered learning to enhance mobile-supported fieldwork (m-fieldwork) education. Students visit electronics manufacturing plant and directly inspect the production process. By using a mobile phone they can easily get interactive help and guidance how to use the tools or machine and access a knowledge database with known solutions for particular problems.