This document discusses the potential benefits and uses of mobile devices in the classroom. It notes that most students already bring mobile devices to school. The document then lists some advantages of using mobile devices such as recording video and photos, storing ebooks, accessing thousands of educational apps, promoting collaboration and connectivity. It also suggests that mobile devices can increase student engagement, even for young children, and that students want to see the technology they use outside of school used inside school. Mobile devices are also presented as a tool to promote collaborative learning between teachers and students and among students. Finally, the document states that mobile devices can be a powerful tool for students with disabilities by replacing assistive devices and allowing for varied pacing and engagement with content.

1. Mobile Devices in the
Classroom
Tools or Toys?

2. Mobile Technology - is it a worth
investing in?
Mobile devices are the front running technology in the US as well as
the rest of the world.
Our kids are growing up in a world of technology the often feel their
teachers do not understand or appreciate.

3. Is mobile technology
appropriate for the
classroom? Despite the push to
rid classrooms of
mobile technology,
the vast majority of
students are still
bringing them to
school and using
them to get the
information they
need (Eisele-Dyrli,
2011).

4. What are the advantages of using
mobile devices in schools?
Record video, photos
Store / view ebooks (save
backs and the planet)
Thousands of apps for
thousands of uses
Easy to use interface
Cost effective
Do not rely on expensive
hardware
They promote collaboration
and global connectivity

5. How can they be used
for learning?
Their use increases
student
engagement
Even very young
children can use
them
Kids want to see
the technology they
use everyday in
schools (Spires, et
al. 2008)

6. Students love to use them!
Engagement = Learning
Engaged children means less classroom
management

7. Mobile Devices Promote
Collaborative Learning
Teachers can bring lectures, assignments and
resources to students fingertips
Communication between teachers and
students becomes instant
Students can share ideas and knowledge with
other students locally or around the globe
Mobile devices can be used for immediate
assessment (

8. Mobile Devices are a
powerful tool for
students with disabilities
Apps often replace clunky and
expensive assistive devices
Interface incorporates sounds
and graphic representations,
enhancing engagement and
ease of use
Students can browse content
at their own pace.

9. What do the test scores
say?

13. Activity
Discuss with your neighbor how you might use
mobile technology in your classroom.
Write down on a sheet of paper one idea for
using mobile technology with students.
Be ready to share it with the class.