Mobile design is crucial in the development of an effective mobile app. Before a concept or idea for an app can be effectively realized on a mobile device, it must first pass through a series of reviews for compliance with minimum operational standards to ensure optimal functionality. Some of these standards include: clarity, presentation, ease of navigation, interface effectiveness, etc. Ultimately, the goal should be to “develop multimedia learning content for mobile phones which is interactive, highly visual, engaging, and effective for the learner” (p. 159).
An example of such mobile learning apps are Florida Virtual School’s meStudying apps (for Android), in its various subjects. The two images below are screen shots of two of the current versions out in the market, the apps for Algebra I and College Reading. Each app is designed to reinforce learning and studying habits outside the classroom (particularly given the web-based nature of Florida Virtual School). I believe the developer designed the app in a way that is generally simple, easy to navigate, and straight-forward in order to encourage students to access the content more often, without being overburdened with complex interface features or a very busy design structure.
I think the meStudying apps have worked well because they rely less on visual information overload and more on their actual function which is to reinforce content and help prepare students for tests. The apps help accomplish this by making available a wide range of questions on each topic of a given subject. The app further allows the student to select the length of the quizzes he/she wishes to take, allowing them practice in whatever time they have available, whether it be 10minutes or an hour.
Although highly functional as is, the meStudying apps could be improved by periodically increasing the number of content questions available on all subjects, and adequately updating the questions on the apps for Advanced Placement courses given the evolving nature of AP exams.
I think the meStudying apps have worked well because they rely less on visual information overload and more on their actual function which is to reinforce content and help prepare students for tests. The apps help accomplish this by making available a wide range of questions on each topic of a given subject. The app further allows the student to select the length of the quizzes he/she wishes to take, allowing them practice in whatever time they have available, whether it be 10minutes or an hour.
Although highly functional as is, the meStudying apps could be improved by periodically increasing the number of content questions available on all subjects, and adequately updating the questions on the apps for Advanced Placement courses given the evolving nature of AP exams.
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