Why use mobile technology?
Mobile technology is reshaping the way in which education is delivered. Whereas the traditional classroom once defined the confines in which learning took place, it is now commonplace to engage with learning in nearly any location. If you teach in a program or department where students have guaranteed access to mobile technology, a host of new possibilities are open to you to improve learner engagement. If not all your students have this access, you should still explore the possibilities for either group work with shared devices, or ideas that may fuel the eventual adoption of mobile technology in your area. Both iOS and Android applications are available for nearly every application mentioned on the Apps & Tools section of this site. For more insight into how mobile technology can create more engaging learning, check out the information below!
What can you accomplish?
Photo Journals
Learners can snap photos to document observations relevant to course work and insert those images into a Google Site to display alongside other content, or create a virtual storyboard using Microsoft Sway.
Video Demos
Learners can use a device's camera to record work they are doing outside of the classroom. These videos can be uploaded into Canvas Studio and submitted as assignments or shared with peers. Either way, annotations can then be submitted at precise timestamps in the video.
Data Collection
Learners can access spreadsheets of information and enter data while they are gathering relevant information out in the field. This data can late be manipulated and shared with their instructor or peers.
Audio Journals
Learners can record audio-only content and create their own podcasts or as a means to conduct interviews with other people. This content can then be shared on Padlet where instructors and peers can all listen and share perspectives.
Walk-up Surveys
Using a Google Form that allows for multiple submissions, students can go outside the classroom and have others fill out surveys to gather information. Every respondent's answer will automatically be tabulated and added to a spreadsheet.
360° photos
Using Google Street View, students can take 360° photos with nearly any devices. These photos can be shared a number of places, including H5P which lets users create interactive annotated 360 images that can be shared with instructors and peers.
iPad
Apple's iPad packs a large amount of capability into an incredibly mobile package. There are several different models of iPad, which provide different screen sizes and internal hardware. However, for the most part, all modern versions of these device can do an incredible amount. The iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro all support the use of the Apple Pencil, which can be a very handy device for virtual white boarding and illustration. The iPad Air and iPad Pro also support the use of an attachable keyboard, which can turn the tablet into simple laptop. Every iPad has a built-in camera, microphone, and speakers.
SmartPhone
Even more ubiquitous than tablets, Smartphones are incredibly powerful multi-purpose tools for learners. The fact that so many students already have these devices often means you can facilitate activities without needing to provide students the means yourself. However, with that said, it is important to be sensitive to your learners, both in terms of their finances and their technology expertise. It is a good idea to conduct an assessment at the beginning of a course to better understand what access and familiarity your learners have with the technology you would like to use.