The MoLE project: an international experiment about mobile learning environment

Abstract

This paper aims to present an international project, called the MoLE Project, which provided learning resources and tools for personnel in disaster or emergency situations. Thus, it illustrates the interpenetration of e-Learning and field workers with a variety of roles (medical professionals, eLearning, commercial, government and NGO), from five continents. The objective of this two-year project was to determine how to provide training or education in areas with low-bandwidth and limited Internet connectivity and infrastructure. It involved a management team, a science & technology coordinator and three working groups including members from 25 countries. These working groups were about medical content, technology & transition, and testing & evaluation. The project was conducted in two periods: the first one corresponding to the development of a mobile app, called "Global MedAid", and the second corresponding to the evaluation of this experimental application. This project answered questions regarding the effectiveness of using mobile devices to support multinational training and education requirements. The results showed that mobile devices could be practical and effective in such contexts. Indeed, they have benefits in providing training when coupled with other contents, such as videos and checklist. The project also demonstrated that mobile training applications are appropriate where there is an inability to train and communicate due to low-bandwidth, limited Internet connectivity and infrastructure challenges.