Spaced Learning and Mobile Technology

Spaced Learning and Mobile Technology

Fig. 1. Spaced Learning visual from Chatterton (2016).

What is it?

Spaced learning has been defined as repeated exposures to new subject materials that are spaced out in time (Kang, 2016). Spaced learning is an effective way to engender long lasting learning. Incorporating spaced repetitions into existing educational practice is feasible and has great potential to produce gains to learning without requiring added resources (time or money).

Neuroscience research has also shown that humans remember more when learning is spaced out, these studies suggest that our brain cells are stimulated by learning but need a period to create the chemical bonds to strengthen the new synapses (Innovating Pedagogy 2017).

Technology and Spaced Learning

Technology has always been the vehicle to introduce innovation in a classroom. Today, mobile learning is a the fingertips of most of our students, and microlearning opportunities are the new challenge for educators to exploit (Saurel, 2017).

Mobile devices open the door to endless possibilities of learning that are available for the majority and not only for the early adopters (Rogers, 2003). Using mobile technology in the classroom will be standard practice across the globe in the next decade according to research (Saurel, 2017). Our biggest challenge then is to get a jumpstart on the implementation of these innovations.

Examples:

Some of the following examples employ gamification, microlearning, and spaced repetition as key elements of their strategies.

Duolingo
Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.

Memrise
It gives general tips and techniques to learn languages. Some work better than others depending on which one is been learned.

AnkiDroid Flashcards
AnkiDroid Flashcards is just like studying with flashcards, only with your phone or PC. It is great for studying and memorization and doesn't waste all the paper. Recommended

References

Chatterton, C. (2016). Reformed GCSEs: tackling the knowledge mountain through spaced
learning. Doodle Learn. Retrieved from https://www.doddlelearn.co.uk/spaced-learning/

Ferguson, R., Barzilai, S., Ben-Zvi, D., Chinn, C.A., Herodotou, C., Hod, Y., Kali, Y.,
Kukulska-Hulme, A., Kupermintz, H., McAndrew, P., Rienties, B., Sagy, O., Scanlon, E.,
Sharples, M., Weller, M., & Whitelock, D. (2017). Innovating Pedagogy 2017: Open University Innovation Report 6. Milton Keynes: The Open University, UK. Retrieved from https://iet.open.ac.uk/file/innovating-pedagogy-2017.pdf

Kang, S. H. K. (2016). Spaced Repetition Promotes Efficient and Effective Learning. Policy
Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 3(1), 12–19. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177/2372732215624708

Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations, Fifth Edition. New York: Simon & Schuster

Saurel, S. (2017). Mobile Devices For Microlearning And Spaced Learning. Educational
Technology. E-Learning Industry. Retrieved from  https://elearningindustry.com/mobile-devices-for-microlearning-and-spaced-learning