Mobile Learning
Embracing this digital age rather than working against it should be the position of learning mangers when engaging pupils. 21st century children are considered the 'digital generation'. With almost 90% of households in Australia having IT access, children ARE engaging in multimodal texts.
"Mobile phones are a tool for communication as well as a source for information. With new technology that means the internet can be accessed remotely, mobile phones bridge the domains of communication and information technology." - abs.gov.auHowever there is large debate on whether this stance is favourable, with arguments of cyber-bullying, distractions, theft and reduction in learning. Regardless of mobile device use in the classroom, cyber-bullying will not cease to exist. However why not harness this as an opportunity to teach safe practices and supportive treatment toward one another. This can also provide an opportunity to respect others' property. Whether utilising a mobile devices' potential in a classroom or not, youth will continue to bring devices to school and theft is an issue needing to be addressed regardless. There will always be negative degrees to progression, until it is applied and well established.
"Some people may want to ban cell phones from classrooms, but I disagree. We didn't ban pens in our schools because students can pass notes during class."
"...And the amount of paper that is generated in most schools is almost criminal." - teachhub.com
Online safety and security is a concern for both parents and educators. However, not implementing strategies to teach children on choosing safe practices 'online' is a failure to empower and prepare them for the world of technology they will face outside of the classroom.
"...cell phone can extend beyond the walls of the school or the confines of a class period." - teachhub.comOne of the most obvious problems that may arise is the fact not all students own a mobile device. However, using this scenario can capitalise on the social constructivism learning theory by working in pairs or small groups. This collaborative method enhances higher order thinking as problem-solving is determined through analysing, evaluating and learning strategies among classmates.
Within my elected teaching field I would adopt several apps to engage students. Here are a few of the apps I've explored this week;
Evernote App - "Capture anything...Remember everything."
- Evernote
Teacher's Assistant Pro 2 - #1 Education App for tracking behaviour and discipline.
Pages App - "the most beautiful word processor you've ever seen on a mobile device". - Pages
This app is one of my personal favourites.
Mobile devices capitalize on learning anywhere, any time, can be self-paced and harness social constructivism. Young people are highly skilled in the use of mobile devices, it is only natural to channel this ability positively. There is a fierce debate on whether to enhance learning by utilising mobile devices in the classroom, or not. However, there is no argument that mobile devices are on trend with youth and will continue to increase in popularity and demand.
And finally;
"...with dwindling budgets, so we need to rethink possibilities, stretching every dollar. These mini computers are walking through the doors each day, let's put them to work." - teachhub.comhttp://www.5thfinger.com/uncategorized/how-steve-jobs-disrupted-5th-finger-and-all-of-those-orifices/
http://abs.gov.au
http://www.teachhub.com
http://zahidyakoob.com/top-online-security-tips.html
http://mashable.com/2013/05/18/apps-you-dont-want-to-miss-3/
https://www.dropbox.com
http://evernote.com
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/eclicker-client/id329200145?mt=8
http://www.teachersassistantpro.com/Teachers_Assistant_Pro_2_iPad_iPhone_Android_-_One_of_the_Best_Teacher_Apps%21/Home.html
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pages/id361309726?mt=8
http://www.teachhub.com/how-use-cell-phones-learning-tools
Hey Dee, you have found some great apps. I really enjoyed looking through them :)
ReplyDeleteKind Regards, Tiarne