The Affordances of 4G Mobile Networks within the UK Higher Education Sector (ECEL 2013)
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4G mobile networks offer higher bandwidth and lower latency than 3G, allowing for improved mobile internet access. A case study was conducted of UK educational institutions exploring the potential uses of 4G services through mobile hotspots. Interviews and speed tests were conducted. Some found 4G enabled independent work while traveling and more flexible teaching locations. However, coverage was still limited and did not change all users' practices. The conclusion is that as 4G networks expand, they could support new forms of teaching and learning through increased mobile access.
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The Affordances of 4G Mobile Networks within the UK Higher Education Sector (ECEL 2013)
- 1. The Affordances of 4G Mobile Networks within the UK Higher Education Sector Elaine Garcia, Martial Bugliolo & Ibrahim Elbetagi
- 2. INTRODUCTION
- 3. 4G worldwide • Internet-connected mobile devices have grown significantly • Tablets and laptops are generating significant internet traffic Internet-enabled devices will be greater than the population of the world by the end of 2013 (Cisco, 2013)
- 5. 4G Within the UK • Auction of spectrum conducted in 2012 • Will reach 98% of UK by 2017 • Current frustrations relating to failed 3G signals in rural areas or on the train • Higher bandwidth, lower latency, improved spectrum No practical task 4G could perform better than 3G (Garside, 2012)
- 6. Coverage of UK 2013 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/telecoms/10228526/Vodafone-offers- free-Sky-Sports-to-support-slow-4G-rollout.html
- 8. 4G within the Education Sector • Mobile Learning • Teachers and Learners are no longer tie to their computers and broadband connections • Context specific learning can occur linking theory and practice • Improve communication between students and learners
- 9. CASE STUDY
- 10. Case Study • Exploratory Case Study • Qualitative Research Approach • Case Study of 6 month trial project funded by • UK educational institutions were asked to explore the potential use of 4G services • Utilise MiFi devices • Semi-structured interviews • Quantitative survey of connection speeds
- 11. FINDINGS
- 12. General effectiveness of 4G services Type Date Time Download (Mbps) Upload (Mbps) Ping (ms) Location 3G 19/06/13 20:40 0.89 0.00 179 London (4) Wifi 19/06/13 20:38 12.91 0.64 17 London (4) 4G 19/06/13 20:37 14.40 5.00 51 London (4) 3G 17/06/13 09:03 3.05 1.65 109 Plymouth (3) Broadband 17/06/13 09:03 63.06 29.13 16 Plymouth (2) Wifi 17/06/13 09:03 50.99 28.80 17 Plymouth (1)
- 13. General effectiveness of 4G services ‘4G didn’t last for long on the train and after an initial period the rest of the journey was pretty much a black spot.’ (S5) ‘… There are a few areas it won’t work on route from Plymouth to Penzance but it’s never been an issue as I just do something else until it returns, and it does.’ (S2) ‘If I was on a train with Wifi though this probably would remove the need for 4G access.’ (S2)
- 14. Any where, any time ‘I am sure especially in terms of distance learning soon to be expanded within the institution.’ (S1) ‘I used to feel that it was “dead” time travelling before because we really need the internet to do out job.’ (S2)
- 15. Changing teaching and learning ‘It will allow you to do anything you do indoors, outdoors. This will really change teaching and learning experience.’ (S4) ‘These specific devices could be useful for field trips where you want students to connect to the Internet through a controlled connection.’ (S2) ‘The students think it is a brilliant device for continuity and remote teaching.’ (S2)
- 16. Personal & Organisational Efficiency ‘Probably not a life changing experience.’ (S3) ‘These devices haven’t really improved my efficiency. It’s been useful but it hasn’t really change things.’ (S5) ‘Extremely useful and something I should like to use permanently.’ (S1) ‘I love my device and it has literally changed my life. My time is now used efficiently and effectively. My productivity has been increased.’ (S2)
- 18. Discussion • 4G is proving beneficial although some frustrations and lack of understanding that it is not yet universal • 4G could aid in distance learning opportunities • 4G allows independent working whilst travelling • 4G allows teaching and learning can occur at a range of new and non-traditional locations • 4G may allow the establishment of new forms of pedagogy and new teaching practice
- 19. Discussion • 4G technologies have not changed society • 4G for some staff have not changed their working practices • 4G is not as yet universal and so cannot be understood by some respondents
- 20. Conclusion As the network continues to be rolled out and speeds increase the affordances of 4G technologies should result in the development of new forms of teaching and learning and approaches to education