I came upon this blog http://educationaltech-med.blogspot.com/2011/02/mobile-technology-in-education.html while looking at the debate that is raging over the use of mobile devices in the classroom. The article focuses on smart phones but I would extend the discussion into the use of the iTouch also. Overall, many innovative educators are really looking to find the educational benefits of mlearning (mobile learning) in language development. It poses some interesting issues.
As mobile technology becomes a mainstay in a student's wardrobe, schools are wrestling with how to manage the effect phones and the iTouch on the school environment. I began the debate as one hating these things. Students were plugged in and staring at the screen every waking minute. I have had high school aides so good at texting they could use the keypad with the device in their pocket. Now I am evolving into a different perspective, cautiously working toward finding educational benefits to using these devices in the classroom.
The original article, written by Med Kharbach, describes some of the more significant pros and cons of mlearning. On the one hand, he acknowledges that students are familiar with smartphones, sometimes more so than computers. Also, he notes that ability to use these devices at any time adds to its desirability. (Kharbach, 2011) However, he also cautions teachers to identify the privacy and use issues with administrators and parents before embarking on this endeavor.
The bottom line for me, when deciding to incorporate mlearning in my curriculum is to identify the educational benefit that using them would bring to students. If it is merely to say I use them or to be "cool" I will not do it. However, if students are able to improve their collaboration skills, engage in rich discussion via these devices than I am in. The jury is still out, but I am still looking for that lesson that will move me.
I believe that students are different than they have been in the past... I have taken the approach not to fight the things that students use all day/everyday instead, I embrace it, look for ways to incorporate it into my classroom. Students are comfortable using these devices, and teachers are doing a disservice to students if we are not using them. These kinds of devices are not going to go away - they will only get more sophisticated! Teachers CANNOT be afraid of what they don't know, take the opportunity - learn from your students, and ask questions... all of the things we expect our students to do!
ReplyDeleteI guess another thing that bugs me about mobile devices is that by its definition it is always there. I saw a young mother remind a her toddler to wait until she was done talking to speak. The child then covered her mouth. The mother said, "That's rude!" That is how I feel when I am speaking to them and they grab their phone to text. I think we need to establish some general rules of manner. Then I think we will be more willing to invite these devices into the classroom.
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