Developing and testing of a mobile learning system for academics

The main goal of this study is to design of a mobile learning systems which is for supplying the requirements about professional developments of academics and examine academics? perceptions and experiences regarding the use of the mobil learning system. Design based research and action research methodology were used together in the study.The data resources for the design based action research may be listed as follows: 1. Academics who participated the focus group interviews between 19 November 2008 and 20 November 2008. 2. Academic staff of Anadolu University who participated the surveys in 2010. 3. Mobile application and development experts, mobile web designers interface designers who worked for the development of mobile learning system. 4. 15 Academics who participated in the action research between 5 may 2011 and 3 July 2011. 5. Research committee. 6. Researcher.The data of the study were collected through research diary, focus interview, questionnaire, semi-interview, personal information form, check list, evaluation form, system logs via both qualitative and quantitative data collection tools. In the analysis of data descriptive method was used.According to the findings of the study, it was determined the prior and important requirement of academics? professional development in scientific research field. In order to fulfill the requirements of academics in this field, a mobile learning system were designed containing the course, the online resources, the consulting, the communication, the process and the help tools .WAP application and IOS based mobile application of the mobile learning system were developed for academics? utilization. The mobile learning system was evaluated as appropriate for general purposes, accessible, adaptable and absorbing, and serving as both mobile learning and academic support system, has satisfactory content and easy to use system tools. It was observed that academics were able to utilize mobile technologies for learning. It was also stated that this system would contribute academics? professional development.Key words: Mobile Learning, Mobile Technologies, Design Based Research, Action Research, Professional Development, Scientific Research