Application Of Mobile-Learning In Training New Farmers Exemplified By Xingtai, Hebei

Based on the practical requirements for farmer training in the Xingtai district, this thesis comprehensively analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of the current main stream forms of mobile-learning and farmer training, and conducts related investigations. A new reasonable type of farmer training is developed to enrich the theoretical basis and provide valuable reference for the training work of new farmers.(1) Comprehensive reading and investigation of literatures and materials on farming training, mobile-learning, etc establish a solid theoretical basis for this project.(2) The historical trends and main stream types of farmer training are analyzed, and the drawbacks of the current training are identified. The conditions that the new training should meet are summarized.(3) 260 farmers in the Xingtai district are surveyed randomly by face-to-face and telephone interviews. Their opinions and needs of the current training are collected and organized. The reasons of their discontents and expectation of future training are summarized.(4) A new form of farmer training based on mobile-learning is developed. The application prospect of mobile-learning is analyzed by taking account of the external supports, e.g. the development of smart mobile phones and wifi technologies. Combining the analysis of mobile-learning and the survey of farmer training, the new form of farmer training based on mobile-learning is found feasible in practice.(5) Different modes of mobile-learning are compared. Their features and feasibilities in farmer training are investigated respectively. A mode using mobile apps is suggested for farmer training.(6) The design principles of training lessons are proposed according to the features of mobile learning and farmer training. Some parts of the textbook “Breed Techniques of Pigs” are redesigned. Training experiments are conducted by using mobile wechats to prove the developed design principles.(7) A theoretical framework is built for the mobile-learning based training system of farmers in our country, and several case studies are presented for demonstration. Appropriate strategies are suggested for the future implementation.In summary, by analyzing the features of mobile learning in farmer training, a new training form is developed. The design principles, theoretical framework and implementing strategies are also presented. As a consequence, the theories of mobile-learning are enrichedand the research gap in new farmer training is filled. The investigations in this thesis are in great value for the future promotion of mobile-learning in new farmer training.