I like the way this infographic poses questions that make you to think about how you could tailor mobile learning in my situation. I also like how the infographic gives examples of what might be used or done in each section.
When I look at the infographic, I can’t help but compare how content is traditionally presented as opposed to how mobile learning can be used to present content. When you actually think about it, there really isn’t a lot of difference between the two processes. The main difference is the use of technology and the freedom its use can afford. We define learning goals and objectives, decide on the project size, and content, pose a time frame for the project, and may have to spend money depending on the activities that are being done. I think having the option of using mobile devices in learning, afford students and teachers the freedom to be anywhere at any time. As an example, when my daughter’s senior volleyball team was in Hawaii for a tournament, their coach, who also happened to be their science teacher, used the opportunity to have his students take pictures of the different flora and fauna in Hawaii. It was interesting to watch the students take pictures, but they also looked the information up about the flora and fauna they were taking pictures of. They were so excited and proud of themselves when they could tell him right then and there what they had found. How more difficult would the same activity be if they had to sketch the flora and fauna or take pictures with digital camera then have to find the information at a library or a desktop computer? I think the learning in the moment would be lost. As Clark (2008) says, “It is not about the learning, it is about the mental self-gratification.” He also mentions that it is not so much about the content of what is taught, but about the communicating and interacting that is important. These girls were interacting and communicating with each other and their teacher in a totally different place than the classroom.
I think my biggest concern with using mobile devices, is making sure that all of my students have access to devices. Right now, there are only six of my grade threes who have their own devices. There are a couple of reasons for the low number. Some of my parents just don’t have the extra money to buy a device for their child. Another reason is that parents are reluctant to allow their children to bring devices to school. I have ended up bringing my own personal devices to school for my students to use. I have two tablets, one iPad, a laptop, and my phone of which I let my students use.
When I look at the infographic, I can’t help but compare how content is traditionally presented as opposed to how mobile learning can be used to present content. When you actually think about it, there really isn’t a lot of difference between the two processes. The main difference is the use of technology and the freedom its use can afford. We define learning goals and objectives, decide on the project size, and content, pose a time frame for the project, and may have to spend money depending on the activities that are being done. I think having the option of using mobile devices in learning, afford students and teachers the freedom to be anywhere at any time. As an example, when my daughter’s senior volleyball team was in Hawaii for a tournament, their coach, who also happened to be their science teacher, used the opportunity to have his students take pictures of the different flora and fauna in Hawaii. It was interesting to watch the students take pictures, but they also looked the information up about the flora and fauna they were taking pictures of. They were so excited and proud of themselves when they could tell him right then and there what they had found. How more difficult would the same activity be if they had to sketch the flora and fauna or take pictures with digital camera then have to find the information at a library or a desktop computer? I think the learning in the moment would be lost. As Clark (2008) says, “It is not about the learning, it is about the mental self-gratification.” He also mentions that it is not so much about the content of what is taught, but about the communicating and interacting that is important. These girls were interacting and communicating with each other and their teacher in a totally different place than the classroom.
I think my biggest concern with using mobile devices, is making sure that all of my students have access to devices. Right now, there are only six of my grade threes who have their own devices. There are a couple of reasons for the low number. Some of my parents just don’t have the extra money to buy a device for their child. Another reason is that parents are reluctant to allow their children to bring devices to school. I have ended up bringing my own personal devices to school for my students to use. I have two tablets, one iPad, a laptop, and my phone of which I let my students use.