Mobile Learning (a.k.a. Learning on the Go)

Deb SowersLTMS 510

April, 2010

Tonight’s Goals and Objectives participate in a “pretest” survey

about mobile learning understand what defines mobile

learning learn the difference between

mobile learning and e-learning discuss implications of mobile

learning on the classroom

Let’s see what you know…

Visit my wiki to link you to a “pretest” about mobile learning!

So what IS mobile learning…

Any sort of learning that happens when the learner is not at a fixed, predetermined location, or learning that happens when the learner takes advantage of the learning opportunities offered by mobile technologies.”

--MOBILearn, Oct. 2003

History in the making…

Let’s see where we’ve been…

What mobile learning is and is not…

Mobile learning IS…

On demand Can be where

you are and when you want it

Mobile learning is NOT…

E-learning Necessarily

internet-based

Advantages

portable—take it with you (once you have the hardware)

many free tools are available for download

individualizes learning experience can “hook” to engage students learn through play

Considerations…

initial investment in hardware (in classroom) having enough

devices connectivity (availability of internet

access if needed) “digital divide”—access and use How to manage mobile technology

on existing networks

Leading tools

ipod and ipod Touch smart phone

Kindle—e-book netbook—tablet PC

tag reader—Leapfrog products Nintendo DS—handheld game console personal audio

player/multimedia guide (like in

museums)

Open source (a.k.a. free apps)

Some more thoughts…

Three hundred years ago we were all mobile learners—we learned in the spaces where the skills needed to be practiced…with mobile devices we will go back to blended learning…in three years’ time, everyone will be a mobile learner.”

Dr. Mike Short

“We now have a generation of learners that has never known a world without handheld and network technology.”

Fastcompany.com

“…new connectedness is not just for the rich; it’s happening faster worldwide than that of color TV in the 1950’s…the fastest growth?...AFRICA!!

Fastcompany.com

“…getting teachers onboard with the idea of using mobile technologies is challenging…it significantly affects the way teachers teach and requires technical and instructional support to be successful”

Edweek.org

And the final word…

“…getting teachers onboard with the idea of using mobile technologies is challenging…it significantly affects the way teachers teach and requires technical and instructional support to be successful”

Edweek.org

The survey says…

1. What best defines mobile learning?learning on the go

2. What are some mobile learning devices?

all of the above

3. What would be a benefit to mobile learning?

Learning can happen any time at any place

4. When might have been a time when you yourself participated in mobile learning?

Presentation resources wikapedia.org edweek.org fastcompany.org mobilearn.org educause.edu mlearnopedia.com interview with Instructional Technology

Specialist Michelle Krill personal experience with iPhone (loaner from

Michelle!)

What have I learned? Besides what I’ve learned about mobile

learning, I learned more about technology and some devices!

The very beginnings of making a wiki. How to make a survey in Google docs. How to find, download, and use apps on

an iphone (and yes, now I want one!)