3. iPods/mp3 players
The main purpose of this technology is to play digital
audio files. The important supporting functions are audio
playback, games, recording ability (voice & audio), data
storage, video & image viewing, radio and internet
access. It can be used for learning by reviewing course
content by listening to recorded lectures, reviewing
video/images/documents/websites. It can also be used
to interact & communicate with classmate as well as
using it for self-assessment.
4. iPods/mp3 players (cont’d)
I am excited to get the full value from my iPod now that I
know it can do so much more than just play music. I’m able to
tune into my visual learning style by creating flash cards for
science classes. Flash cards also allow me to be reflective and
work at my own pace. They also allow me to challenge my
weakness of not being an active learner by increasing my
speed of information by the repeated use of flash cards. I’m
also able to be reflective and work at my own pace by using
quiz apps to demonstrate my level of understanding from
visually using flash cards. The flash cards & quizzes also tap
into my sensing learning by helping me memorize facts and
details.
5. iPads & Tablets
iPads and tablets fall between laptops and smartphones
in both form and function. This technology is portable
and customizable. It can be used for learning by sharing
knowledge, interacting with others through Tumblr or
Google+, and assessing what has been learned using
apps like flashcardlet.
6. iPads & Tablets (cont’d)
I found the flashcardlet app very helpful for my visual
learning style when I did a Level 3 activity for another
class. This app allowed me to work at my own learning
pace as a reflective learner. Using the app allowed me to
flip through cards and retest myself or review content
accommodating my reflective learning style. The flash
cards & quizzes also tap into my sensing learning by
helping me memorize facts and details. It’s was also
helpful in terms of portability and accessing material from
various locations.
7. Microblogs
Microblogs are web-based services that lets users
exchange small elements of content, 140-200 characters.
The messages post right away in real time. Some
examples of microblog platforms are Twitter, Instagram,
and Tumblr. It can be used for learning by interacting
with others through group discussions or conferences
and to assess what you’ve learned.
8. Microblogs (cont’d)
I found microblogging to be helpful for learning in that it can
be straight to the point in terms of being limited to a max of
140 characters on twitter. I previously thought twitter and
microblogging was for Hollywood gossip, but now I see the
extensive capabilities and learning opportunity. I think it
accommodates two of my reflective learning styles. It
accommodates me being reflective in that I can take the time I
need to think about and process a concept from a class before
I try out being active and seeking out additional help from a
larger study group environment. It also provides me with real-
time messaging, so I can get an answer after I’ve eliminated
every option on my own. It also provides me with the option
to work with others at my own pace.
9. Synthesizing Your Experience
The mobile technology that interested me the most as a learning tool
was social bookmarking with delicious. This will be very helpful for
researching and writing papers. I like that I can compile a list of
sources and access them from any mobile device or computer, not just
the computer I primarily use. This makes it very convenient to retrieve
information and work on papers from anywhere. The mobile
technology that surprised me the most as a learning tool was
microblogging because like I said before I thought twitter was just for
Hollywood gossip. For me games & MMOGs don’t work as learning
tools. I would like to further explore using social networking for
learning another language using VoxSwap. I’ve been interested in
expanding my Spanish speaking skills and I think it will be extremely
helpful to chat with others from all over the world. I started a little
with a Level 3 activity already, but would like to explore it further. I
would also like to further explore listening to various podcasts to get a
more in depth and expansive views on topics that are important to me
such a social justice, education, and health.
10. Synthesizing Your Experience
(cont’d)
The mobile technology that worked best for my learning
preference was watching the mini-lectures using screenr.
The combination of lectures and powerpoints helped me
being a reflective and visual learner. I was able to view
the text while hearing the lecture at the same time. The
mini-lectures also allowed me to review what I had
learned repeatedly and at my own pace as a reflective
learner. I liked that I could pause, rewind, or replay the
mini-lectures to find information I sometimes missed.
11. What You’ll Do Next
I will continue to use my reflective, sensing, global and
visual learning strategies. I feel they have been very
effective for me thus far. However, I would also like to
work on being an active learner as well because I do
sometimes take too long and overthink things rather
than just take a chance and shoot an answer out. I also
would like to improve my skills at working in groups and
being more hands on to figure things out like active
learners. Adding this active component can only make
me more successful.
12. What You’ll Do Next (cont’d)
I will continue to use social bookmarking with delicious for
research and writing papers as well as for personal use.
Bookmarking is very effective for compiling and finding relevant
information that can be accessed anywhere from any device. I
have already bookmarked a few for use after this class. I can use
social networking for personal use through pinterest to show my
interests and organize special events in my life such as a
wedding. I would also like to continue to use iPods & podcasts
for learning and teaching. I work at a middle school and I think
this is a great way to keep kids engaged since this generation is
very tech savvy. The mobile technology I will avoid after this
class is gaming. I don’t like gaming. Maybe my son will get me
into it as he gets older. I do know that it is effective for some
people such as my younger brother. He enjoys it.
