I decided to study further the notion of mobile learning. In the Learning & Leading Through Technology magazine, I pulled two articles to gain some insight on the issue. In the first article, "The Benefits and Challenges of Mobile Learning" (page 38), the author, Helen Crompton, touches on all sides of mobile learning in education. Crompton describes mobile learning as "learning across multiple contexts" (page 38) which leads me to believe that mobile learning would assist in expanding the possibilities in education. I was not aware of how big the issue of mobile learning was and found it interesting that it is discussed often and in depth and is even referred to as m-learning. Crompton also continues to explain the benefits of mobile learning in that it creates opportunities for students and also versatility in learning. She also discusses the challenges, as any new idea has. The issues of privacy with mobile learning and accessibility for some students definitely raises some concern in that safety might be at risk and also it would create an unfair playing field for students who weren't able to use the tools other students can. The second article, "Partnership Helps Schools Succeed with Mobile Learning" (page 9), by authors Yolanda Ramos and Justina Nixon-Saintil, sheds light on the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Program. I have never heard of the program and was unaware that Verizon was involved in helping schools. The purpose of the program to increase student engagement, to help them in academic achievement and to support the growth of mobile learning. Mobile learning would be incredibly helpful to students and not all schools have the funding in place to provide the program for students so it is great that companies like Verizon are supporting schools in taking those steps forward.
I do think mobile learning would be helpful in schools. I plan on teaching kindergarten and if I am placed in a kindergarten class, I would probably not use mobile learning. I feel like they would be too young, too distractible, I don't want them to develop an early dependency on technology and the equipment would be expensive. But, if I were teaching older grades then I would definitely use mobile learning in the classroom. I would be weary of conflicts that may come out of it, like it is in the budget to provide mobile learning devices, and if not then how can every student afford the mobile learning devices. Also, how to I monitor the content they see, what they share, how they use the device, and if they are putting material on the device. Mobile learning could be a great way to share homework activities or project ideas with the class and to keep everyone engaged and a constant dialogue going. In conclusion, I don't plan on using mobile learning in the class I hope to teach, kindergarten, but if I ended up in an older class I think it could be great, but would also require a lot of maintaining.
Resources:
Ramos, Y., & Nixon-Saintil, J. (2013, September 1). Partnership Helps Schools Succeed With Mobile Learning. Learning & Leading Through Technology.
Crompton, H. (2013, September 1). The Benefits and Challenges of Mobile Learning. Learning & Leading Through Technology.
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteYou touched on two important points: the potential for an “unfair playing field” for students who do not have mobile devices versus those who do and the “dependency on technology.”
As someone who did not have a cellphone or any electronic devices besides a desktop computer growing up (no mp3 player, CD player, laptop, tablet, etc.), I felt very left out and embarrassed when teachers would ask kids to pull out their phone, especially since I was already getting teased about it outside of class. Thus, this is something I am cognizant of when I work with students; I definitely agree with you that this is an important issue. Perhaps programs like the Verizon one you mentioned can help make this issue of disparity a non-issue.
However, in addition to developing an “early dependency on technology” with kindergarteners is a negative thing, I also have concerns with creating any sort of dependency on technology with those in the upper grades. The adolescent brain is still developing and I worry that by having a lot of screen time for these students, they will become even more addicted to technology than they already are. As someone who works in a high school classroom, many students are coming in with an addiction to technology--some of them cannot focus for 10 minutes without checking their phone! And this is without the inclusion of mobile learning! I fear that by including more mobile learning, schools might be fostering more of a dependence on mobile technology. With that being said, I do see the positive aspects you mentioned--being able to collaborate on projects etc. So, I am at an impasse regarding whether or not mobile learning will be conducive to the learning environment. I hope that, after doing some additional research, I will feel more comfortable with integrating mobile learning into my classroom.
Laura,
ReplyDeleteIt is great that you did your research on the topic of mobile learning because I have observed a few classes already that have put the concept into action. Today, I went to observe a 6th grade language arts class and was quite surprised that the class lesson was done almost entirely on Google Chromebooks. The school had given the class an entire set, so every student was allowed to use their own laptop. The lesson was on autobiographies, so the students were given the task of researching colleges and careers they could see themselves doing in the future. They wrote their notes for their future autobiography on a Google Doc and then shared the link with the teacher. I think this process was good for two reasons. First, the students were learning how to research information on their own with the help of the internet. Second, the teacher could click on any student’s Google Doc and see how far along they were and also give immediate feedback.
However, the downside to mobile learning is trying to keep your students on task. I noticed many of the students searching random things on the internet that had nothing to do with the assignment. In fact, the entire second period received a zero for the classwork notes because no one submitted their final Google Doc to Jupiter Grades on time. The teacher told me that the school is trying to obtain a function where the teacher can see everyone’s laptop screen on her computer, but this is not yet set up. I think if it was put in place, the students might be less likely to misuse the internet for things unrelated to the assignment.
-Scott
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteThank for the info you give on Mobile Learning. I, too, would like to teach Kindergarten but I do think I’ll try and incorporate mobile learning in my classroom. Sometime last year I came across an article, for another Education class, where a kindergarten class had a lesson on the children’s book “Brown Bear”. They made a video in which each student had a part. They each took turns with an iPad, selected a character and recited the lines from the book. This idea really stood out to me because as a teacher I really want to keep my students engaged so their learning experiences are fun and technology is a great way to do that especially since most of them are already using some kind of device at home. Of course, I would stick to the basics (paper, pencil and manipulatives) but I will try and integrate technology when possible to enhance my lessons.