Abstract:

This paper presents our experience in the design, development and using of Distributed Internet based Performance Support Environment for Individualized Learning - http://www.dipseil.net - and its mobile version mDIPSEIL in students’ learning process in engineering disciplines – electronics, informatics and communication systems. The main characteristics of the performance-centered approach in university education are described, as well the architecture of DIPSEIL and mDIPSEIL.
The DIPSEIL System consists from distributed across Europe 5 servers with Educational content, mainly in engineering dispilines working together with a communication server which coordinates the information flow between the learner and content.
DISPEIL system is widely used from 5 European Universities for student education in various engineereind dispilines in the field of electronics, computer science, communication systems, microelectronics etc.
mDIPSEIL is a mobile module integrated to DIPSEIL distributed servers with educational contet.The module provides the students a possibility to study the educational content from their mobile devices (phones, PDA's, smartphones, etc.).
In this way the mobile learning fits the distrinuted performance learning model.
We present mobile learning (mlearning) as a form of performance support system for educational and training purposes. The advantages for trainees are derived from providing learners with a job aid in the context of their work and more flexibility and choice in where and when they learn outside of the wired (or un-wired) classroom. Performance-centred approach has been proven to be more effective than the traditional lecture-practice-test (expository inductive) in training higher order skills, for preparing learners for self-learning, improving, adapting for changing jobs. Wireless mLearning performance support systems are similar to traditional PSS. mLearning solutions integrate mobile devices with the learning to help the student to perform a task by providing information, guidance, and learning experiences when and where they are needed. The advantages to apply performance support in mLearning to create knowledge are derived from providing learners with a job aid in the context of their learning. The disadvantages of mLearning are a combination of technical and education challenges. Some of these disadvantages disappear if we apply performance-centred approach to mobile technology enhanced learning. It means that performance-centred method is very appropriate for mLearning pedagogical solutions.
The courses are presented as tasks for performance. To support this performance, tools are available – task-specific training, references and additional information, instructions how to perform and examples, expert advices. Each task is presented to the learner with a task description – text and/or a file.

Keywords:

distributed learning, mobile learnng, internet based performance support systems.