Project SHINE: Evaluating Mobile Based Learning Resources for Novice Tutors
Abstract: Project SHINE of Honolulu is part of a national service-learning initiative that helps elderly immigrants pass the naturalization examination for US citizenship. Service learning volunteers commit to ten weeks of service and enter into the program with little to no experience teaching English as a Second Language. A website was designed to provide a repository of just-in-time English as a Second Language tutoring resources for mobile devices. As part of a mobile usability study, participants were recruited from student organizations with a stated mission of learning through community service. Participants answered questions about how they use mobile devices. A mobile device fitted with a wireless camera rig captured the gestures of the participants in authentic mobile environments. Three cycles of iterative design took place over a three-month period. Thirteen participants indicated that the mobile website was well organized, had pleasing design elements, and the site was easy to use.