Mobile Education
By Rebecca Miller
Nowadays many people prefer to text before they call, Facebook via an app and email on their Blackberry. In the digital age, communicating in 140 characters or less is faster, more efficient and generally the preferred way of conversing. With texting and social media reaching everyone from everyday people to Fortune 500 executives, communicating via a digital space has become commonplace.
The field of education is no different. Students now text their professors, turn in presentations over social media channels and tweet tutors for advice. With the advent of the iPad and the increasing popularity of newer, smarter, more social media friendly smart phones, educating and teaching via mobile devices has become easier and more popular than ever.
CampusTechnology.com recently featured an article boasting the benefits of the iPad in the classroom. According to the article, professors like Fredrick Hagemeister from the University of Richmond in Virginia and Michael Hanley from Ball State University predicted that the iPad and devices like it will be used to download and utilize textbooks as well as become platforms to converge different types of media such as PowerPoint, the internet and applications.
According to eSchoolNews.com, “speakers at a recent education technology industry summit had a key piece of advice for company executives who make and sell products for schools; “Go mobile.” The summit, which was hosted by the Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA), gave a sneak peak at upcoming mobile applications for education. Qualcomm Inc., for instance, introduced Project K-Nect, a mobile application that teaches Algebra through mobile videos and instant messaging. Early results show this mobile learning tool to be highly effective.
According to Qualcomm Executive Vice President Peggy Johnson, mobile learning excites students while offering 24/7 connectivity, instant feedback and greater interaction. Kent State University’s Research Center for Educational Technology studies also found that educational mobile devices and applications “can improve students’ motivation, engagement, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving skills,” Edweek.org reported. Experts also suggested that mobile learning be used to “enliven lessons, encourage student collaboration, and promote greater communication between students and teachers.”
The mLearning Pilot Project at Franklin and Marshall College was a yearlong project in which 16 educators tested the effectiveness of mobile devices, in teaching, learning and research at the higher education level. The project, which ran from May 2009 to May 2010, provided encouraging results.
Participants reported that mobile devices were convenient as they are small, highly-portable and allow for more efficient multi-tasking. In addition, they are lighter and more cost-effective than laptops. mLearning project educators also reported increased productivity, better communication and connectivity with students as well as an enhancement to their teaching.
Mobile attendance benefits students and teachers alike. The convenience, connectivity and communication options of mobile devices make teaching and learning available 24/7/365. Additionally, mobile devices are a highly desirable asset due to their availability, cost effectiveness, ease of use and high adoption among students engaged in learning.