Week 6 Reflection Mobile Devices.

What a week it has been...clicking into gear after a much needed week away from the books! Oh it was so nice!
This week I have done loads of interesting reading and research into mobile learning, exploring langwiches blog and arguing in my head about using mobile devices at school.
Learning about i Pads, i Pods and i Phones was very interesting, as they are part of everyday life now. Using them in the classroom has huge benefits as I found out.

Some thoughts I had on using mobile devices in the classroom....

-Students creating an eBook by working collaboratively on an i Pad, inserting their own images and text.
-Enables students to learn anywhere, anytime.
-Downloading appropriate apps to use. For example, The Elements app has great 3D pictures and knowledge to support learning.
-The fact you are using a technology that is way beyond what has already been.
-Use as an e reader.
-Can create a paperless classroom, for example, Duke Energy Foundation Pilot Paperless Classroom Project.
-Learning tasks sent via i Pads to children.
-Using i Font Maker to trace and create your own font.
-Students are able to research as they learn.
-Taking photos on field trips, then creating custom cards to show the class.



As you can see the possibilities are endless. In terms of theory, mobile Devices support the connectivism theory of learning, a learning theory for the digital age. I think also constructivism in that learning can be carried out with social interaction and is scaffolded by the teacher. For example, a small group task writing a fractured fairy tale, editing it, illustrating and then publishing and presenting to the class. Also higher order thinking would be used here. Students are manipulating ideas and information in ways that transform their meaning and implications.

There are so many apps available as I found out. Something to engage everyone and support foundations of learning.

There can be a potential problem with the use of a phone in the classroom. Students making or receiving calls during learning time can be a disruption. School policies differ between schools which can make it hard. Also teachers may not reinforce the policy which gives the kids a free reign. There may be i Phone envy if some kids don't have the latest and greatest.


Here is a PMI on mobile learning.

PLUS
-learning can happen anywhere, anytime
-we are using a new technology better than anything before it
-can be used for research via internet
-able to use iPads or iPods as e readers

MINUS
-school policy on mobile devices may vary from school to school
-using a phonefor calls during learning time
-kids bullied if they dont have the latest and greatest
-phone cost is ongoing
-potential to be damaged at school

INTERESTING
-there are thousands of downloadable apps available.
-1.2 new mobile devices are produced each year (2011) Horizon Report. K-12 Version.


The great part of using mobile devices to learn is that students of any age can use that technology, and that has to be a huge plus in our classrooms!

Happy Blogging!

Kathryn.


Duke Energy's Paperless Classroom.




Langwiches blog is so interesting.