Abstract

This study examines the transformation of classroom dynamics brought about by the use of tablets for educational purposes. The empirical bases of this study were defined by the “Samsung Smart School” project, which was developed by Samsung and Spain’s Ministry of Education during academic year 2014-15, in which teachers and 5th and 6th year students attending 15 primary schools across several Autonomous Communities in Spain were provided with tablets. The research sample comprised 166 teachers. A qualitative analysis strategy was applied by means of: a) non-participant observation, b) focus groups, c) semi-structured interviews with teachers, and d) content analysis of teaching units. These techniques enabled us to extract and examine six dimensions of teaching (educational objective, teaching approach, organization of content and activities, teaching resources, space and time, and learning assessment). Our findings show that teachers tend to apply a transversal approach when using tablets to work on different competencies, focusing more on activities than on content through the use of apps. They reclaim the act of play as part of the learning process, and tablet use encourages project-based learning. To sum up, this study shows that teachers view tablets not only as a technological challenge, but also as an opportunity to rethink their traditional teaching models.

Abstract

We present the development and evaluation of a situated crowdsourcing mechanism that estimates queue length in real time. The system relies on public interactive kiosks to collect human estimations about their queue waiting time. The system has been designed as a standalone tool that can be retrospectively embedded in a variety of locations without interfacing with billing or customer systems. An initial study was conducted in order to determine whether people who just joined the queue would differ in their estimates from people who were at the front of the queue. We then present our system’s evaluation in four different restaurants over 19 weekdays. Our analysis shows how our system is perceived by users, and we develop 2 ways to optimise the waiting time estimation: by correcting the estimations based on the position of the input mechanism, and by changing the sliding window considered inputs to provide better prediction. Our analysis shows that approximately 7% of restaurant customers provided estimations, but even so our system can provide predictions with up to 2 minute mean absolute error.

Abstract

Libraries have traditionally selected and recommended books, music, and movies. Mobile apps can also be readily included, thus extending library services by offering users more content, resources and services in different formats. Some basic ideas to tackle the discovery, selection and recommendation of native mobile apps are addressed in this text. Processes, information sources, selection criteria to be take ninto account, and what information to provide to the users are also defined.

Abstract

The spread of mobile devices –smartphones and tablets– does not go unnoticed by media companies, and particularly by press companies, which have seen in mobile content a new and profitable source of income. The aim of this article is to explain how newspapers are adopting mobile strategies and the business model behind their strategies.

Abstract

Mobility is the driving force of a radical transformation of society and of our lives, and the emergence of smartphones and tablets has been a turning point. This transformation is mainly articulated around five technological ecosystems, each composed of an operating system, social networks, applications, standards and hardware devices. These ecosystems are the World Wide Web, the social network Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Apple. Only the Web is open; the rest are captives of the companies that are developing them. With the advent of mobility and permanently connected devices such as augmented reality glasses, and the emergence of new digital surfaces in everyday environments such as stores or underground stations, we must try to open the ecosystems to free us from the captive platforms and enable us to build a real life and digital identity independent of that or those with which we work. In this process the Web and W3C standards should once again resume their role as champions.

Abstract

The most significant developments in the field of mobile technology in 2014 are reviewed, with the aim of obtaining an overview of the sector and its market penetration in the library and reading worlds. First, major developments in terms of devices, operating systems, standards, applications and technologies are examined. Then we analyze their use by readers and libraries, both internationally and in Spain. To conclude, in a prospective exercise, we describe the mobility trends that we will see soon in our libraries.

Abstract

Libraries are trying out mobile technologies and looking for applications of smartphones and tablets that can improve library services and professional practice. Through the analysis of the first experiences, professional literature and direct contact with professionals, some common errors have been detected. They are listed and explained in this text in order to serve as a starting point for professional discussion and reflection.

Abstract

The text analyses the emergence of digital publications designed for the new portable devices with touchscreen. If in the last 30 years the universe of written text went through a mutation from paper to screens, now we are seeing a further stage of this process that recombines these interfaces, the old devices dialogue with the new ones and texts reside in new ‘species’ of hybrid media. The arrival of the emagazines is analysed from a perspective that integrates semiotics of interfaces and media ecology.

Abstract

The experience of the Library of the Faculty of Law of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) is presented, where patrons use tablets to access books that have been acquired in electronic format. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of titles that are being distributed in paper with an electronic copy attached (duo). These are characterized by the indivisibility of the pack and the increase in their price. This system encourages both the individual and private use of the copies by using a code associated with the user’s profile. The creation of a specific system based on the use of a tablet in order to provide the user public access to these copies is described. The system duplicates the number of copies available to users. In addition to access to e-books, a selection of electronic resources and programs previously offered by the University has been included in the tablets. The tablets are also configured for teaching uses, both for seminars and exams.

Abstract

Mobile devices (phones and tablets) have become the main means of access to the internet in Spain. This has caused a change in the way the public is informed and interacts with information content. This research examines how this change impacts internet users’ habits in relation to the consumption of political information. The aims of this study are to determine how users consume political news on mobile devices and to better understand their information behavior.