The value of mobile technology in teaching and learning.

Mobile learning is defined as "learning across multiple contexts,  through social and content interactions, using personal electronic devices in many locations. (Wikipedia). Those devices include handheld computers,  iPads, notebooks,tablets, Mps players, Pda's, mobile phones, smartphones, kindles, e-readers to name a few. There is a plethora of devices and gadgets available to the mobile learner.

Mobile technology is integrated into every day life, it is easy, convenient and it is accessible virtually anywhere. My experience of mobile technology and learning is very small, I have a faithful desktop Mac. The classic arrangement of a desk, chair and printer to hand instills more of an educational ambience to my learning; however I fully understand and appreciate the benefits of mobile learning.

Whilst reading around the subject, and discussing the devices with my children, it became apparent most of their information is obtained via their iPhones,iPads and kindles. Homework was completed in any room in the house, discussions would take place with their friends (hands free) whilst doing some other activity, gone are the days of being attached to one spot on the phone!

As a district nurse, two mobile phones was standard pocket decor to which would keep staff up to date and accessible, only now do I realise this was mobile technology!

It would seem children are much more technology 'savvy' as they are introduced at such an early age, in preparation for the evolving world. The present drive is to implement mobile hand held devices into the classroom which can then be transported to an outside activity, ultimately maintaining continuity of the lesson. The portability and mobility of cell phones, taking the classroom anywhere.

educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech248.shtml

Mobile technology goes to school. Matt Cook is a teacher in Texas, who having observed his students decided to implement mobile technology into the classroom. Funding was sought from an external source, to provide the students with a  cell phone.They are exploring their educational uses, which Cook believes will become the cheapest way to do one-one computing.

The pilot programme involved the children having the phones 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The children worked with microsoft word and excel.They completed assignments, homework, and shared ideas with their peers. Matt Cook also made himself available for additional support. Parents were encouraged to participate with apps and software on the phones which hightned the child's learning experience. Wherever the children were they could gather data, capture images, use a drawing tool and work on their projects.

Mobile technology has proved it's worth within education as students seem to embrace the learning concept via a gadget as opposed to a book. Brown et al (2000), acknowledges that the use of online technologies to support  learning has a number of benefits in terms of flexibility.

Mobile technology has proved effective as it supports the learning process, particularly with special needs children, gaining a rewarding learning experience.

Brown,S.,& Strout-Dapaz, A. (2000). A close encounter Model for Reference Services to Adult Learners: The Value and Flexibility and Variance. Reference Librarian, Vol.33,Issue69/70,p85,8p,2 graphs; ( AN 3604623)