Design and implementation of mlearning for calculus in tertiary education

Using IT in education has become prevalent worldwide. It is believed that IT not only motivates students to learn in class, but also encourages students to take the initiative to explore and inquire subject matters outside classroom by themselves (i.e. independent learning). The Hong Kong Education Bureau offered a series of professional development programmes to principals, vice principals, middle managers as well as teachers who have joined the "Support Scheme for e-Learning in Schools" since April 2014 to 2016/17 school year to further equip schools to implement e-learning. In primary and secondary education, for example, the HKSAR Government (2004) has been giving support to schools for using e-textbooks and e-learning resources during lessons. At tertiary level, other e-learning platforms such as MOODLE and BLACKBOARD have been widely used in different institutions. In recent years, the rapid development of mobile apps has been provided learners with ample opportunities to learn independently. There are various learning apps such as Math Tricks, Complete Mathematics, Mathematics Dictionary, IXL Maths Practice, etc on the market for primary and secondary education; nonetheless, the use of mobile apps in students’ learning of disciplinary subject seems to be new in tertiary level, and its effectiveness in students’ learning is worth investigation. Through this study, the project team hopes to a) explore whether a disciplinary-specific mobile app can help learners to acquire and apply disciplinary knowledge in and beyond classroom, b) identify elements to be included in a mobile app to helps students to learn outside classroom.