Mobile G-Portal supporting collaborative sharing and learning in geography fieldwork: an empirical study

ABSTRACT

Integrated with G-Portal, a Web-based geospatial digital library of geography resources, this paper describes the implementation of Mobile G-Portal, a group of mobile devices as learning assistant tools supporting collaborative sharing and learning for geography fieldwork. Based on a modified Technology Acceptance Model and a Task-Technology Fit model, an initial study with Mobile G-Portal was conducted involving 39 students in a local secondary school. The findings suggested positive indication of acceptance of Mobile G-Portal for geography fieldwork. The paper concludes with a discussion on technological challenges, recommendations for refinement of Mobile G-Portal, and design implications in general for digital libraries and personal digital assistants supporting mobile learning.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: User-centered design

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors

Keywords:
collaborative learning, geospatial digital libraries, mobile learning, personal digital assistant, task-technology fit model, technology acceptance model