iTree: Does the Mobile Phone Encourage Learners to be More Involved in Collaborative Learning?

Abstract

A web-based collaborative learning sites has the bulletin board system (BBS) and allow learners to interact, exchange information, engage in discussion, and collaborate on projects. This paper outlines the development and evaluation of iTree, a Java mobile phone application that encourages learners to participate in online BBS forums. In essence, the application reminds the students of their level of participation in a class BBS forum via an image on the wallpaper on their mobile phones. Postings to the forum are represented as a tree, the growth of which reflects the learner's degree of participation. Our evaluation has shown that iTree encourages learners to engaging in forum exchange in a positive light. Many learners have come to regard iTree as a useful learning tool..