pocketCourse was created to test whether it was feasible to place a learning content management system in a mobile device.  Like BlackBoard and Moodle deliver content (lectures, sound files, images, text) can  to your PC screen, could software be created for a mobile device (like a PDA) that would capture and entire course and deliver it without the need for a network connection?  My thinking for this option was to create a distance learning option that would include the software content and the device to present it all in a package small enough to mail to someone. This could be a real advantage when the student is handicapped or is going to be separated from the campus by great distance (i.e. perhaps a student who is in the armed forces).  The course could easily be packaged up an mailed and as long as power was available for periodically charging the batteries.

Is this feasible?

The answer is yes it is feasible and it can be done and with the pocketCourse program.  The author only needs to create HTML and .JPG image  files that will can be saved to the mobile device. One file per class also needs to be created to organize the material. This class file is a simple XML file with tags that identify the lessons and optionally within each lesson the lecture, assignment, video and sound files.  Most course developers would have no problems with the HTML (although using a tool like MLEX* makes the files much easier to read on the mobile device) and the XML file it relatively straight forward and easily edited with any text editor.

Note: This version of the software does not contain any provision for quizzes, tests or assignments, it could be modified to accommodate assessment also.

Using the MLEX tool, I have created a five lesson mini course for the Fundamentals of Object Orientated programming.   This is another proof of concept exercises where I am interested in proving that a mobile technology is feasible as a learning tool. 

* the MLEX tool can be reviewed by clicking here.

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Click here for Screen Cast of Program in Use.  (under construction)

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