Using Emerging Mobile Technologies to Enhance Collaborative Learning. A Study Case in a University Environment

Since emerging mobile technologies are completely introduced in our society, the Mobile Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (MCSCL) is a fact that we must keep in mind. However it is necessary to have available adequate technological tools. In this work, we present a communication tool (called SCHOM) it was entirely developed by us. SCHOM uses different kind of channels for communication (instant messaging, push notifications and integration with social networks), it ensures the digital anonymity, and for instance, a user could send a message to other one knowing only his identity. Other characteristic of the tool is that can be used without restrictions, from anywhere, anytime and any device and it is fully customizable so it can be adapted to other environments. We also analyses the tool with a study case in a university environment, a small group of students and teachers of first and fourth course of Computer Science Degree participated. In our study, the main advantage of the tool showed by students and teachers was relative to enhancing communication and the possibilities to share information and knowledge in agile way. Moreover both students and teachers expressed the useful of the tool in every kind of messages.