The value of mobile technology in teaching and learning;

The value of mobile technology in teaching and learning;

The current culture, or “social revolution” (Rheingold 2003 Author of  Smart Mobs: The NextSocial Revolution) where mobile technology is to hand or more realistically in every ones hand. The term mobile is defined by the ability to move or be moved effortlessly. From a constructivist approach to learning, the benefit of this new age is to utilise the already built in awareness to a learning aid or device like an iphone or ipad. Mike Sharples (a professor of educational technology in University of Birmingham) states “rather than seeing them as disruptive devices, educators should seek to exploit the potential of the technologies children bring with them and find ways to put them into good use for the benefit of learning practice” (Sharples 2003) Lecturer’s and teacher’s can build upon the learners prior knowledge and skills in mobile technology to teach, learn, observe, structure in all areas of the classroom environment.

From a lectures perspective, the benefits to mobile technology ranges from group text and email to students to inform them of room change, timetables and tutorials, as well as links to websites, YouTube video’s, demonstration videos, skyp to aid distance learning, notification of attendance. With out forgetting time management, lesson plans and general notes.

From a learners perspective the list is potentially endless if used effectively in the classroom.

MarkGreenfield and educational technology consultant believes that “where education technology tends to fall down is where professors use it to teach the way they have always taught, rather than understanding the advantages of a new media” he also states that “ there is a tendency to add technology to the classroom without adequate training in how to use it effectively”. Shaples states that “learning is mobile in terms of space, ie it happens at the workplace, at home, and at places of leisure, it is mobile between different arrears of life” (Sharples 2003). mobile technology can be invaluable if used for the outside classroom, 

 

field trips, access to the lecture and the lectures notes, multi-sensory learning, learning difficulties with detection as well as an active aid in the learning experience and the flipped classroom that works side by side with technology.   

 

Bibliography

David, F. C. (2013, 2 8). Informationweek, education. Retrieved 11 4, 2013, from Class room tecnology faces sceptics at reaserch universities : www.informationweek.com/education/instructional-it/classroom-technology-faces-skeptics-at-r/240148217?pgno=2

Januszewski, A. M. (2008). Educational technology intergration. different values, different understanding , 3 (55), 223-252.

Naissmith L, L. P. (2004). Futurelab series. Retrieved 11 1, 2013, from telearn.archives-ouvertes.fr/docs/00/19/01/43/PDF/Naismith_2004.pdf