The Seven Traits of a Learning Environment: A Framework for Evaluating Mobile Learning Engagement

Abstract

Mobile technology is increasingly used both in and out of school classrooms by students to remain actively engaged in learning and extend their learning. Developments in mobile technology have made it possible to access and interact with learning resources, other learners and teachers in ways not possible just a few years ago. Instructional designers and teachers struggle to maintain understandings of how changes in technology impact student interactions and learning engagement. Instead of focusing on particular tools, instructional designers and teachers should focus on the design of the learning environment to gain understanding of what students are doing while engaged in learning. The Seven-Traits of a Learning Environment framework is introduced here to help educators develop more effective and engaging instructional design for mobile learning environments. The SAMR technology integration model is discussed as a potential tool to help measure student engagement through the lens of the 7-Traits framework.