Smartphones for Service-Learning
Lucy Haagen, Lecturer, Program in Education
Project Description:
In Spring 2008, Lucy Haagen used cellphones to help shape learning communities that connected Duke students with Durham high school students. Haagen and the students used cellphones both as traditional devices (as telephones) and as capturing (audio) and advanced communication (text messaging) tools.
Haagen plans to expand on the success of this pilot through the use of ’smartphones’ in Hanoi, Vietnam. Working with several Duke students participating in Duke Engage, Haagen will use smartphones to assist with ESL activities in the rural Hanoi environment. In addition to using the phones to connect Duke students with students from Vietnam, the phones’ multimedia capabilities will allow students to connect through video, audio and text-based messages. Students will also be able to document teaching and learning moments with built-in video capabilities, as well as use internet connectivity to acquire and provide additional content.
Project start date: 5/07/2008
Funding awarded: $5,630
