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 eLearning 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.