The value of mobile technology in teaching and learning

It is difficult to find a corner of the western world which hasn't gone mobile in terms of technology. We have a generation which carries around their computer, access to the web, cameras and means of communication all in one device in their pockets.  So it can been seen why it would be of special interest to educators to find a means of  exploiting this mobile technology for use in learning.

Going back a few years to when I was in education the thought of mobile technology was so foreign. The personal computers (pc) we had just back in the last decade were desk tops and had black and green screens.
  

Jump forward to the modern day and well it is a stark contrast.

 

If it is easy to see the impact of mobile technology on the way we live as a species then it seems obvious to see the value of mobile technology in the way we teach and thus learn.

Bright (2014) suggests that a more blended approach to the way we teach is more likely to cater to everyone. Now I am in agreement with Bright due to the fact I myself am teaching upon a blended learning program which involves some face to face teaching but mainly the use of technology for teaching where ever the students wishes to learn. One of the benefits of using mobile technology to teach is that of ease of access, mostly everyone now has access to 24/7 up to date knowledge at the touch of a button. So everyone is constantly tapped into some form of information base most of the time. This can be utilised and as Nasmith (2014) suggests whether they are welcome in the classroom right now or not, mobile devices are finding their way into classrooms in children’s pockets, thus it wold be good educational practise to find a way to incorporate these technologies. The infrastructure of education needs to change to adapt to the demands of the learners.

It is clear to see one of the main values of mobile technology for learners is the "anytime, anywhere" capability that mobile devices encourage. The learning gets taken out of the teacher led classroom environment and thus becomes student lead. This may however present a significant challenge to conventional teaching practises.

Weldon (2013) looked at two distinct studies which found that mobile technology did indeed make a difference in learning and teaching. Some of the findings of the study suggested that students had greater access to learning resources and their use of the devices for education purposes exceeded the researcher's expectations. Teachers increased their communication with students and

 Students changed their learning behaviour. It is clear to see with these results that there is great value to mobile technology and learning, but me being the critical thinker I am I looked further, this study was funded by sponsored by Kajeet, a wireless service provider that focuses on educational technology, so what did they expect for their money? We have to be careful when we are putting education behind money and not the other way around.

One way to make certain of the value of technology in teaching and learning will be to work in collaboration with learners, educators and content creators to ensure all technology is accessible and relevant to users. Usability should account for those who will be using the mobile devices for teaching in relation to those who will be using it for learning. If all bases are covered then the value will doubled for all users.

We all know the key to transforming societies is in education but is the way to change education now through mobile technology?  Each new generation changes the direction in which society develops and it should be of no surprise that young people want to employ mobile devices to make education more engaging and personalize it for their particular needs (West ,2013). It can be said that Technology-rich activities can sustain high levels of student engagement and peer collaboration compared to less technology focused activities. I can even see this at play in my own home with my own children, they grunt at each other most of the time but use applications to chat and collaborate ways to get money out me constantly. I think the key now is educating the educators to be open and accepting of the vast value mobile technology now has in the realm of teaching and learning so the new generation have a opportunity to change the direction of western society for the better. 

  








References


Bright,S. (2014). Pros and Cons of Blended Learning. Available: http://www.digitalchalk.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-blended-learning. Last accessed 15/11/2014


Nasmith, L . (2004). Mobile Technologies and Learning. Available: http://www2.futurelab.org.uk/resources/documents/lit_reviews/Mobile_Review.pdf. Last accessed 15/11/2014.

Weldon, D. (2013). Recent studies confirm value of mobile technology, tablets in classroom. Available: http://www.fiercemobileit.com/story/recent-studies-confirm-value-mobile-technology-tablets-classroom/2013-12-05. Last accessed 15/11/2014

 West, D . (2013). Mobile Learning: Transforming Education, Engaging Students, and Improving Outcomes. Available: http://www.brookings.edu/research/papers/2013/09/17-mobile-learning-education-engaging-students-west. Last accessed 15/11/2014.