This document discusses the benefits of using mobile devices as educational tools in classrooms. It provides examples of apps that can be used for language learning, identifying plants and insects, and tracking attendance and grades. Some see mobile devices as convenient learning tools that students are already familiar with due to constant access to smartphones. Others believe mobile devices could improve focus by limiting multitasking. Concerns from parents include potential overuse of mobile technology and distractions in the classroom. The document advocates for continued discussion around balancing mobile learning tools with traditional classroom techniques.

1. connected from birth to the
classroom?
photo by thecrowells- flickr

2. As educational institutions advocate for more access to
mobile technology and social networking sites within!
schools across the country, we have to ask:

3. what are the benefits to using
mobile devices as educational tools
?
photo by mortsan- flickr

4. The Toronto District School Board
recently voted to lift the ban on mobile
use in classrooms and has begun
initiatives to incorporate cellular
devices as a vital learning tool within
its schools.
A lot of parents disagree with the school’s decision.
photo by quinn.anya- Flickr

5. photo by gelatobaby- flickr

6. In United States high schools, 98% of students have
access to some kind of smartphone, according to a report by
Blackboard and Project Tomorrow.
Photo by PictureYouth- Flickr

7. so, what tools are available for use
in the mobile classroom?
Photo by SFU Public Affairs
and Media Relations- Flickr

8. Photo by USFWS Headquarters- Flickr
A great E-learning tool for little naturists is NOAH– an app that enables users
to identify types of bugs and trees by uploading a picture and receiving
details of the exact type in as little as 24 hours.

9. photo by chucka_mc- flickr

10. Studying Abroad?
Apps such as iLingual and Talk to Me
help students learn the local language
on field trips abroad while fully
emerged in their learning experience.
photo by swimparallel- flickr

11. photo by ben_grey- flickr
other benefits in turning to learning
tools available on smartphones
and tablets for reasons of both
CO$T
and convenience

12. photo by hello turkey toe- flickr
“Do you ever leave the house without your phone?”
“The beauty of a mobile phone is that
it’s always there.”
how convenient!

13. photo by ciccioetneo- flickr

14. procrastination nation
Some mobile education
advocates believe that the
tablet’s current shortcoming—
limited multitasking– could be its
greatest asset in education,
forcing students to focus on one
photo by david boyle- flickr
task at a time.

15. “a tried-and-true platform to let conversations flourish”
#twitter
is another example of a cost-efficient tool for
mobile learning as it keeps the conversation
continuing outside of the classroom, fuelling more
class involvement than ever before.
photo by VinothChandar- flickr

16. photo by johan larrson- flickr

17. Attendance for iPhone is an app created for
Teachers that allows them to easily take
attendance in their classrooms by taking a
photo of a student and uploading it to their
class list.
Parents can also track their child’s grades and
keep more up to date on their learning
progression through apps such as
SchoolCircuit and myGradeBook.
photo by pink sherbet- flickr

18. photo by esparta- flickr
what do you think about mobility in the classroom? useful or useless?
tweet your thoughts @candaceberes

19. Sources used: the new york
times online, mashable.com,
nationalpost.ca, nassp.org,
thejournal.com
photo by seyed motafa zamani- flickr
slideshow presentation by:
Candace Beres