The Future of Mobile Learning & the Use of PDA’s and Small Tablet PC’s

Desiree’ B. MasgaED480Mr. Jenkins

What is Mobile Learning?• The term mobile learning (m-

learning) refers to the use of mobile and handheld IT devices, such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), mobile telephones, laptops and tablet PC technologies, in teaching and learning.

• Mobile learning is the point at which mobile computing and e-learning intersect to produce an anytime, anywhere learning experience.

• “Learning on the Go!”http://excellencegateway.org.uk/

http://dragon.ep.usm.edu

Why Use Mobile Devices for Learning(Advantages)

• Learners can interact with each other and with the practitioner instead of hiding behind large monitors.

• It's much easier to accommodate several mobile devices in a classroom than several desktop computers.

• PDAs or tablets holding notes and e-books are lighter and less bulky than bags full of files, paper and textbooks, or even laptops.

• Handwriting with the stylus pen is more intuitive than using keyboard and mouse.

• It's possible to share assignments and work collaboratively; learners and practitioners can e-mail, cut, copy and paste text, pass the device around a group, or 'beam'? the work to each other using the infrared function of a PDA or a wireless network such as Bluetooth.

• Mobile devices can be used anywhere, anytime, including at home, on the train, in hotels - this is invaluable for work-based training.

• These devices engage learners - young people who may have lost interest in education - like mobile phones, gadgets and games devices such as Nintendo DS or Playstation Portable.

• This technology may contribute to combating the digital divide, as this equipment (for example PDAs) is generally cheaper than desktop computers.

http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/page.aspx?o=ferl.aclearn.page.id958

Showing how much more connections mobile devices get anywhere and anytime!

http://wikieducator.org/images/thumb/0/02/HowMlearningworks.gif/600px-HowMlearningworks.gif

Disadvantages

• Small mobile and PDA screens limit the amount and type of information that can be displayed.

• There are limited storage capacities for mobiles and PDAs.• Batteries have to be charged regularly, and data can be lost

if this is not done correctly.• They can be much less robust than desktops (although tablet

PCs are beginning to tackle this problem).• It's difficult to use moving graphics, especially with mobile

phones, although 3G and 4G will eventually allow this.• It's a fast-moving market, especially for mobile phones, so

devices can become out of date very quickly.• Bandwidth may degrade with a larger number of users when

using wireless networks.http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/page.aspx?o=ferl.aclearn.page.id958

Below are some links to mobile learning

• http://www.fernuni-hagen.de/.../Mobile-Learning.com_Kuszpa_2005.12_Online-Educa-Berlin.pdf (Surveys)

These links below are videos on the push towards mobile learning:• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6H26UhnXD9c&feature=relatedThis link is a slideshow of students using mobile learning:• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRPD8_WexeQ&feature=related

For more video information on mobile learning and the future check it out on yourtube.com

The Use of PDA’s in Learning

What are PDAs?

• PDA’s are personal digital assistance or handheld computers

• They are small enough to carry in your pocket, purse, or briefcase.

• Mostly designed to help businesspeople keep track of their contacts and appointments.

• Educators are beginning to see that these handy little gadgets can benefit students.

• Did you know that Principals and V. Principals were given Blackberry phones?

How PDAs are Used by Students

Some Disadvantages

• Glass screen crack easily in backpacks

• Expensive to repair• Setting up many individual

devices for an entire class is hard to do

• Lack of appropriate softwares

• Mostly made for business

A Middle School Experiment

• Five students were given the Palm to try out for nine-weeks. They were allowed to take them home .

• The students used the Palm Pilot’s built-in softwares: address book, calculator, calendar, and to-do list.

• They were able to access their electronic assignment folders and share data with other students.

Expenses on PDAs for the School

• Some schools are looking at having reasonable prices given in order for their school to use the devices and as well as wireless connections

Links for More Information on PDAs

• http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/travel/pda.htm

• http://geek.com/articles/.../the-future-of-the-pda-20060412/

Small Tablet PC’s in the Future of Learning

What are Small Tablet PC’s?

• In general, a tablet PC is a wireless personal computer (PC) that allows a user to take notes using natural handwriting with a stylus or digital pen on a touch screen. A tablet PC is similar in size and thickness to a yellow paper notepad and is intended to function as the user's primary personal computer as well as a note-taking device. Tablet PCs generally have two formats, a convertible model with an integrated keyboard and display that rotates 180 degrees and can be folded down over the keyboard -- or a slate style, with a removable keyboard. The user's handwritten notes, which can be edited and revised, can also be indexed and searched or shared via e-mail or cell phone.

http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/tablet-PC

Development of a Tablet-PC-based System to Increase Instructor-Student Classroom Interactions and Student

Learning

• This describes a pilot study for a Tablet-PC-based system called the Classroom Learning Partner (CLP) that is being developed to support in-class assessment in large classes.

• The goal is to increase instructor-student interaction thereby increasing student learning.

• Link:http://www.projects.csail.mit.edu./

clp/publications/documents/KoileSinger06.pdf

The Many Types of Tablet PC’s

• http://www.pencomputing.com/TabletPC/• This link shows you pictures and describes the many

types of tablet PC’s .

Children and Small Tablet PC’s

• Below is the link to a story of a 3 year old girl who is trying out one of the many types of Tablet PCs out there.

• http://www.tabletpc2.com/children-and-Technology2.htm

Ten Points to Ponder About on Mobile Learning

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZeKnk6LrAU&feature=related

Watch the video on what to remember when considering Mobile Learning

Resources

• www.searchmobilecomputing.tchtarget.com/definition/tablet-PC

• The rest of the resources are the links on the slides

THANK YOU! AND HAVE A GOOD EVENING!