Mobile learning application in Malaysian traditional batik

Shamsul Arrieya Ariffin and Vasantha Kumaari Muthan Faculty of Information Technology and Communication University Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Perak, Malaysia

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functionality of a mobile learning application in learning the patterns and motifs of Malaysian traditional batik. This application code name is M-Tik (Development of a Mobile learning application in Traditional Malaysian patterns and motifs). The functionality of the prototype was tested based on the selected mobile device. It was tested to the 20 University Pendidikan Sultan Idris undergraduates students via the Beta Testing method and data analysis was carried out using the SPSS 12.0 software. At the end of the research, the researcher was able to create an effective and functional mobile learning application that can be used for displaying media content in Batik patterns and motifs. It is hoped that the development of this application will be used as a guideline to produce more learning aids that run in parallel with the changes in time. Keywords: Mobile Learning , Batik

INTRODUCTION


In Asia Pacific the Mobile User are increasing 1200 Millions people by the year 2010 (Adobe Systems Incorporated, 2008).Among the fields that are gaining increased attention and commercialization is the education field. Portable technological development promotes the development of Mobile Learning which can be easily achieved by the anytime and wherever. According to Douglas McConatha and Matt Praul (2007), Mobile Learning, or M-learning as it is often called as a relatively new tool in the pedagogical arsenal to assist students and teachers as they navigate the options available in the expanding world of distance learning. Developer intends to design the M-Learning Application that can be used by anyone, anywhere and anytime. The field of Batik has been chosen due to the increase its interest among learners specially the younger generation concerning traditional art.

PROBLEM STATEMENT
Most of Traditional Batik learning material are only available in certain places like the art gallery, library and selected stores. The limited resource on this matter hinders the learning of Batik Traditional and also caused this field to be less adored by many. The number of Batik learning centre in our country is also limited. These centres are mostly centralized in the state of Terengganu and Kelantan. Limited centre settlements have proved to be an obstacle to learners to pursue their learning process.

OBJECTIVE
Develop and evaluate the M-Tik mobile learning Prototype

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT



This application is made as a sample to generate other Mobile Learning Application. This applications criteria which were developed based on design theory, learning theory and Mobile Learning Application feature, is part of an effort to produce an effective learning environment.

Scope of the Project



    

The scope of the project during this development was focused on the Malaysian Traditional Batik Patterns and Motifs. The content of the M-Tik focuses on the following: History Malaysian Traditional Batik Types of Traditional Batik Motif Types of Traditional Batik Pattern Samples of Malaysian Traditional Batik Target users of this M-Tik mobile application are the students who are learning Batik and University Pendidikan Sultan Idris student who are interested to learn about Traditional Batik.

MOBILE LEARNING (M-LEARNING)



According to Joe Pulichino, (2006) Mobile Learning is the learning process that is based on a mobile device. Mobile Learning is also part from e-Learning and distance learning. Mobile learning is an integration of mobile and wireless computing technology to create an effective education. This statement is supported by Sushil K. Sharma and Fred L. Kitchens (2005) that Mobile-learning is supported by mobile devices, ubiquitous communications technology, and intelligent user interfaces. Mobile educations covers three distinct but interconnected areas in which mobile device be implemented: learning, teaching and administration. (Militiadis D. Lytras & Ambjorn Naeve, 2007)

Advantages of the M-Batik



     

Through the analysis, best product to be created is the interactive content presentation. The few advantages of by using this M-Tik as a learning tool are as listed below It can be used anywhere anytime. Most of mobile devices have lower prices than desktop PCs; Smaller size and light in weight than desktop PCs; Ensures bigger students' engagement to m-Learning as based on modern technologies, Students could use in everyday life Using WAP technology the m-Learning can provide location dependent education.(Tsvetozar Georgiev, Evgenia Georgieva, Angel Smrikarov, 2004).

DESIGN METHODOLOGY
Developer had chosen the ADDIE methodology model as the development lifecycle to be used. According to Michael Molenda (2003), Rossett (1987), ADDIE is a linear model that need to complete each phase before proceeding to the next phase. The caption ADDIE stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation which describe the tasks during the process (Michael Molenda, 2003). There are varies phases that can be given to the model, but developer had selected the basic and the suitable phase for the development process.

THE M-TIK DEVELOPMENT



The systematic and complete plan or development schedule is needed to proceed the development of an effective and attractive Mobile learning application. This early preparation can avoid problems in development process and can lead to the creation of prefect, interactive and effective product while meeting the development objective. The five phase of development, Analysis, Design, Development, Implemenation and Evaluation in the ADDIE are applied and implemented followed by time suquences as the figure below. DesignDevelopmentTestingMaintenanceAnalysis Figure 1 : The ISD Model the ADDIE lifecycle

         

      

DEVELOPER HARDWARE REQUIREMENT Laptop with minimum specifications of : Duo Processor Intel CORE Hard disk 80GB 5400rpm Wdigital HDD Memory 512mb SDR PC133 Monitor 14 WXGA CrystalBrite LCD PS/2 Mouse 800W Multimedia Speaker USERS HARDWARE REQUIREMENT Since this is a mobile application, minimum hardware requirement for users are the Flash Player facilities for mobile or PDA. The M-Tik is developed according to this specification of feature and characteristics. DEVELOPER SOFTWARE REQUIREMENT Microsoft Windows XP Professional Adobe Photoshop Macromedia Flash Professional 8 Flash Lite The selected design principles such as visual elements, arrangement, alignment, contrast, balancing and consistency are applied to create the perfect and viewable interface (Micheal William, 1999). Beside that, the multimedia elements are also applied to create an effective information delivery and user friendly interface.

Consistency
Consistency
Response No. ITEM

4 Consistency:

The M-Tik Main interface is representing the applications overall contents.

35% (7)

40% (8)

10% (2)

15% (3)

Table 2: Consistency
2 The shape, size and color of the letters are consistent. 10% (7) 55% (11) 35% (2) 0% (0)

The buttons design is not consistent and relevant.

0% (0)

10% (2)

35% (7)

55% (11)

Suggestions


Although the researcher able to create an interactive and creative mobile learning application but there is some elements need to be amended or touchup to create a more effective application. The developer also can create and creative application by using the latest version software such as the Flash Lite 4.0 or Adobe Flash CS which has more amount of features to edit, create and manipulate the multimedia elements. The choose Flash Lite based application only can be played in the Flash Lite player mobile. So, other mobile user cannot use it to the learning purpose. Its suggested that other developers can use the Java programming language to create more easy accessible application. The content of the Malaysian Traditional Batik Patterns and Motifs can be added so that the learners can get the unlimited knowledge. Its is better if the application can be done in online approach that can be access in the website. The problem of the limited space and capacity can be avoided if the creating the database based website but can be viewed in the mobile screen.

Conclusion


The knowledge of the pedagogy and product development skills are important for a researcher to develop a prefect teaching and learning based tools. The pedagogy knowledge can helps researcher to identify correct ways to deliver the Teaching and Learning content. Meanwhile the product development skills, such as knowledge of programming language of Java script, HTML and Action Script can help them to develop the prefect Teaching and Learning tools. To develop the technology based teaching and learning based tools such as m-learning researcher must always alert with latest technology method and skills. The research has enabled the successful production of m-learning application for education purpose. This can be proof from the product evaluation finding. However the widespread of usage still remain as a doubt as users capable to own mobile with the selected features that can play the application properly. Researcher hope that, this m-learning prototype can be upgraded so that can be used in various types of mobile devices.