I am very interested in studying the uses of digital mobile media, including but not limited to informal settings like museums.
I think mobile learning is (going to be) huge, although I am opposed to the trite “anytime, anywhere, any device” mantra of many mobile learning enthusiasts. It is just like the beginning of computers in education all over again. Just because something is available does not mean that it is going to be used, and even if something is used, it does not mean that it is used to broaden or deepen the mind. But digital mobile learning has potential and if is handled carefully it might actually lead to a better performance of those using mobile media.

Mobile Media in Informal Settings Like Museums

One of the fields where mobile media can be used and tested are museums (although the museum should never be used as a test-bed). As informal learning settings they are a richer condensation of everyday life, allowing researchers to study visitors under semi-controlled circumstances. Together with a colleague of mine, Eva Mayr, I have published an article about the “Potentials and Challenges of Mobile Media in Museums” and my dissertation thesis dealt with mobile media in museums to support visitors’ interest (see for example the paper of the Nodem 2008 conference).

Time Use Research

Resulting from my interest in mobile learning and the skepticism of actual usage of mobile media, I am very interested in time use research. While mobile media can, for example, help to structure learning, give it a framework, help in organizing, test knowledge (declarative knowledge via tests and procedural knowledge via simulations), this does not mean that mobile media is actually used this way. People want to relax sometimes, to catch their breath, engage in mood management. I think mobile learning can only work if it is seamlessly integrated in the work and leisure flow of the user and the usage of time is an important aspect.