Mobile learning, or m-learning, refers to learning that takes advantage of portable technologies and can occur anywhere. With the rise of mobile devices and a new digital generation of students, m-learning allows for anytime, anywhere interaction with tutors, other learners, and educational content. While m-learning provides benefits like increased student motivation and engagement, it also presents challenges such as potential distraction and cheating as well as issues with device compatibility and teacher training. For m-learning to be effective in schools, clear guidelines, cost analysis, and continued support are needed.

1. Mobile Learning
Module 8
EDIT 3318

2. Digital Shift
‘Our students have changed radically. Today’s
students are no longer the people our
educational system was designed to teach
(Marc Prensky, 2001)’

3. Digital Shift
• Rapid development of mobile devices
• Growth of the digital generation
• Government support for education using
technology
• Increasing number of mobile applications for
education
• New classes requiring a device for every
student

4. What is m-learning?
Learning that happens across locations, or that
takes advantage of learning opportunities
offered by portable technologies
M-learning = ubiquitous learning
“Anytime, anywhere learning”
Interaction with tutors, learners, and content

5. • Personal Digital assistants (PDAs)
• Tablet PCs
• E-book readers
• Mobile phones
• Smartphones
• Portable media players (iPod Touch)
M-learning tools

6. Trends

7. Trends

8. Convergence
Video
Radio/Alarm
Internet
e-Mail
Music Composer
Applications
Television
Compass & accelerometer
Near Field
GPS
Built-in Camera
Desk Dairy
SMS/Text
MP3 Audio

9. Advantages
• Anytime, anywhere learning
• Enjoyment, motivation to learn
• Student-centered learning process
• Synchronize with students preferred learning
style
• Change passive to active learning
• Less expensive than laptops or other
technologies

10. Challenges
• Potential for cheating and distraction
(e.g., ringing cell phones – the biggest
distraction in classrooms)
• Academic misconduct (e.g., pictures, texting,
etc.)
• Filtering inappropriate material
• Less interpersonal relationship
• OS compatibility (iOS, Android), battery life,
durability
• Professional development for teachers

11. How can m-learning work in schools?
Need to establish clear pedagogical guidelines,
cost analysis, teacher & staff training, and
continued tech support.

12. • Audience response systems (feedback)
• Camera: stills/videos
• Voice recorders: podcast, etc.
• Research via the internet (Google, Wiki’s, blogs)
• Applications
Ways of m-learning

13. • Audience Response Systems:
• http://www.polleverywhere.com/sms-
classroom-response-system
Audience Feedback

14. Photos/videos
http://flickr.com

15. http://www.hipcast.com/
Podcasting

16. Applications
• E-book readers examples
• Learning Management Systems (LMS) examples
• Educational games examples
• Collaboration tools examples
• Adaptive assessment services examples
• Distance tutoring and homework support examples
• Social networking examples

17. Self-questions to choose educational apps
• What do I expect to teach with the app?
• What learning do I want to occur?
• Is the app really educational?
• What is the value in the classroom, for my
child/student/client?
• Can the app be used for cooperative learning
activities, turn taking and group learning?
• What is the cost of the app? If it is free, does it
have advertising or a link that a student could
easily be distracted by?

18. Discussion
• Are there areas of your own teaching in
which mobile learning could play a part?
• If yes, what would you need to know in
order to implement it?
• If not, why not? (Identify reasons mobile
learning might be inappropriate or
unusable)

19. Hands-on activities
1. Socrative
2. Mentimeter
3. Myclasstalk
4. Edmodo
5. QuizCast