EduPaL, a portable learning platform, is useful when the Internet connection is intermittent and cost constraints are important. The platform is based on a low-cost universal serial bus (USB) flash drive used individually by each student. Students must also have access to a computer with at least intermittent Internet access. Content, such as videos, is downloaded onto the flash drive when possible and accessed at the student’s convenience. Software on the flash drive monitors student usage, such as how much of a video was actually watched. The usage data is transmitted back to the teacher’s module, which includes fairly elaborate data presentation tools. The data presentation tools allow the teacher to visualize which videos posed problems to students and also student preparation for a particular class.

The system, then, offers both anytime/anywhere access to the student and usage visualizations to the teacher. It has been tried in a class of 23 students over one semester, with generally favorable results in terms of student learning and student acceptance. The instructor can use familiar learning management systems; Moodle was employed here.

EduPaL appears to be an effective system that addresses a real problem. The presentation is clear, with helpful examples of the visualizations.