Mobile Learning

MOBILE LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOM 

The use of portable devices such as mobiles, tablets, iPads, polling devices in a classroom is increasing. The following video gives and interesting look upon the way mobile devices have been looked at over the years and how they are looked at now along with the benefits they carry for a classroom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Image: Goodwill, 2010                                                                                                                                 *Image: Classroom Aid, 2012

The above picture is representation of aspects involved with mobile learning.

Mobile learning devices carry a range of possibilities for learning, they have the ability to highlight and enhance the learning of students. Dale (2009) discusses how they can motivate, develop self-esteem through a deeper learning experience and help students to be more responsive, independent and self controlled. Mobile learning can also been seen more as personalised learning, it enhances learning to be more interactive and individualized (Mohamed 2009).  Mohamed (2009) also states that “mobile technology allows anyone to access information and learning materials from anywhere at anytime”, with this being said it highlights the flexibility and depth of mobile learning and creates an added aspect to an ever changing classroom full of students.

IPads and Interactive Whiteboards are two of the main mobile learning devices currently being implemented in classrooms today. Both of these learning devices allow for technological connection to the content being taught and have a variety as beneficial aspects to the classroom and teachers, but along with all teaching tools, they can be used in an ineffective way if they are not understood properly. Balacheff (2009) states that “Conversation and context and essential constructs for understanding how mobile learning can be integrated with conventional education”.  Mobile learning and conventional/traditional education methods need to be able to work together to be successful. Some mobile learning devices simply aren’t practical for a classroom, factors such as size, mobility, weight and cost of the device itself as well as age, appropriateness and context of the class are all factors to be considered when incorporating the wonderful aspect of mobile leaning in a classroom. Howell (2012), raises the valid point that in some  cases mobile learning can be too difficult for younger students to operate and understand.

With this being said, it is important to ensure that as students progress through school their competence and knowledge of technology needs to grow and flourish to aide them in being confident and capable uses of ICT and mobile learning in a classroom due to society and education itself becoming more and more dependent on technology to progress.