Applied Case and Development of m-Learning Class: Based on a Clinical Practice Class in the College of Nursing Science

Purpose: This study focused on two aspects: 1) how to design and implement a mobile learning course which is facilitated by a PDA with a web-based class homepage as a tool for mobile learning; 2) how to increase and enhance interactive activities among and between the students and the faculty members by utilizing a PDA as a tool for communication as well as collaboration. Method: To analyze the results of the m-Learning course, data was collected from interviews with the involved two faculty members and a survey from 27 students. Result: The results showed a positive outcome of the m-Learning approach in terms of a more collaborative learning environment in a clinical course where the students practice their clinical activities out of the classroom, far from their faculty members. On the other hand, the problems of the m-Learning approach were that more thorough preparation was needed for the new tools from both the students and the faculty members in preparation in social, cultural, and mental aspects, not withstanding the assumed technical limits of a PDA. Conclusion: m-Learning must be more actively implemented in classes, even though several problems were noticed in terms of both technical aspects of the tools, and social and cultural aspects from the users.