According to The U.S. Mobile App Report, 60% of all digital media time in the U.S. is spent through smartphones and tablets (Lella & Lipsman, 2014). There is an interest to further explore and understand how mobile and digital technologies can be integrated into community programs (Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education [CAISE], 2015). While there is demonstrated interest in reaching young underrepresnted groups (URG’s), or those with histories of low interest and success rates in the STEM disciplines in informal education programs (e.g., Hudson, Duncan, Reeve, 2015; National Research Council, 2015; The White House, 2015), and an interest to explore the added benefits of incorporating mobile learning in informal contexts (e.g., Cahill et al., 2011; O’Hara et al., 2007), there is not much focus on which types of content, tools, and motivational assets are most useful and engaging to this particular group of learners in informal education programs. Moreover, it is not clear if the URG’s in these contexts would have the means to, or even prefer to, engage through a mobile device if given the choice. It is essential, as urged recently by national leaders, to consider barriers for this population and discuss possible ways to provide access (The White House, 2016).

This supports our CEOs most recent research (e.g., Anderson, 2015; Anderson & Tredway, 2009; Anderson, Tredway, & Calice, 2015) which focused on the importance of understanding the external and internal influences in not only understanding the learning context (Kaptelinin, 2013), but also for designing instruction. The work that Luma has performed over the past 8 years supports the notion that learning experiences are situated and tied to context, culture, and activity. Further, multimedia tools and readings in context of the learning activities, together, shape learning and influence internalization (Brown et al., 1989; Cobb, 1994; Gibson, 1977; Kaptelinin & Nardi, 2006). Most traditional learning experiences include the same type of learning content delivered the same way to all types of learners across learning platforms. However, Luma has found that content design and selection for one particular learning context and audience cannot necessarily be applied to all learning environments.

Consider what your learning environments look like for your learners. If you are delivering the same thing to all learners in all learning contexts, you may not be meeting their learning needs. By collecting data while learners are engaging in the content, you can learn a great deal about your learner’s needs and thus have measurably better learning outcomes.

Partner with Luma today to help you advance the knowledge of learning at your organization. Contact us at info@learnwithluma.com