Mobile learning is the process of incorporating various technology that the students use on a daily basis into your classroom. The students will be able to use a computer, tablet, iPads, iPhones or whatever else they have that could work. The students will complete everyday tasks and assignments while using this technology.
Now with everything that has ever been done in the world before there are Pros and there are Cons to mobile learning. Some pros include that it is personalized instruction, authentic life situations, spontaneous, and portable (SlideShow). Some cons that come with mobile learning are security, distractions, not cooperative work, and the differentiation between types of devices (SlideShow). But with all of these teachers have managed to find ways to connect to their students.
While doing my research I came across a teacher that uses Twitter in her classroom. In the video that is cited below as "The Twitter Experiment" the teacher uses Twitter as a discussion board forum. This allows the teacher to be able to hear from all of the students rather than only being able to call on a few because of the time restraints of class. Another argument that was brought up is that the shy students are able to vocalize themselves more freely through technology. The teacher comments that the students are typically using their phones, tablets, or computers to join in on the discussion. If the students do not have technology they are able to give the teacher or someone else a written down comment and then it could be added by someone else. The teacher who is trying this is doing it at a college level. She stated her Teaching Assistant ran class for her one day and while they were tweeting during class when she was in a different state she was able to check into the class but also still participate by commenting on their posts and responding to others.
I think this teachers idea of using Twitter during her class is a great idea! The students are less intimidated to make a comment or to contribute to the conversation because it is being typed and read not said out loud while everyone is focusing on them. The students are also able to view what they are going to post and edit it. I say this, because I know we have all had those moments where we wished we could have taken back something we have said.
Try adding Twitter into your classroom and see how it goes!
View these videos to learn more about Mobile Learning!
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_ZcZpxci0U
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WPVWDkF7U8&feature=player_embedded
References
Learning for the mobile age. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2014, from SlideShare: http://www.slideshare.net/BradH2/mobile-learning-definitions
The Twitter
Experiment - Twitter in the Classsroom. (2009, May 2). Retrieved March 28, 2014, from Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WPVWDkF7U8&feature=player_embedded
Why we need mobile
learning technology. (2012, June
17). Retrieved March 28, 2014, from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_ZcZpxci0U
