Mobile Technologies in the Classroom

"Mobile Learning is the acquisition or modification of any knowledge or skill through the use of mobile technology, anywhere, anytime and which results in the modification of behavior." (upsidelearning.com)

Functionalities

The multifunctional nature of mobile devices increases the likelihood we will carry them with us wherever we go (Ahonen 2008).

Video, Voice & Text-based Communications (FaceTime, Skype)

Content / Internet Access (stocks, news, etc.)

Audio & Video Player & Recorder (Flickr, youtube.com)

Voice Control, Search and Transcription (Dragon Dictation, Siri)

Content Creation (ShowMe, ExplainEverything)

Geographic Positioning Systems

Computing & Gaming

Cloud Storage (DropBox, iCloud, Amazon Cloud, Box.net, Google Drive)

Learning Management Systems (Canvas, Blackboard)

Various methods of input: Keypad, Touch screen, Still/Video Camera, Barcode scanner, Microphone

Mobile Learning

Opportunity to capture and consume examples, gather feedback, just-in-time learning, in context. etc.

"Imagine the student who signs up for art history in 2013. Instead of sitting in a dark classroom on a given day, she might walk over to the Art Institute of Chicago and listen to a podcast of her instructor speaking about the exhibits. Meanwhile, she tweets her classmates about her own observations. On her way out, she submits her answers to a quiz through her mobile device, and on the train home, she reviews mobile flashcards to prepare for her upcoming exam." The Hottest Thing in Higher Ed is in Your Pocket (Daniels, 2012)

Source: http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2012/05/08/not-just-mobile-learning-mobile-everything/

What makes mobile learning different? (Leppanen)

• Location is context -- and location no longer limits learning
• Screen size (though pico projectors and tablets are changing that)
• Networked, "An expert in my pocket"
• More personal, interactive, fun
• More spontaneous, for instant use
• Shorter in duration, to the point
• Engages users to contribute and share

Mobile Learning Considerations (upsidelearning.com; Boles 2012)

• Will mobile learning enhance students' experiences?
• Can mobile learning be effective?
• What capabilities of the devices will interest students?
• What capabilities will enhance learning?
• What content could be more easily accessed via mobile devices?
• How will learning activities be administered and tracked?
• How will user support be handled?
• Where will students consume content & will they be distracted?
• What platforms will students use to access content & will they have adequate bandwidth?

The 10 Biggest Downsides to Mobile Learning - http://www.onlinecolleges.net/2012/09/10/the-10-biggest-downsides-to-mobile-learning/

2012 Students & Technology - http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ERS1208/EIG1208.pdf

Pedagogical Perspectives for the Mobile Learner

M-Learning.org - Pedagogy - http://www.m-learning.org/knowledge-centre/pedagogy

EDUCAUSE: ECAR M-Learning Emergent Pedagogical and Campus Issues in the Mobile Learning Environment, Bryan Alexander - http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ERB0416.pdf

Towards a Theory of Mobile Learning, Sharples, Taylor, Vavula: UK - http://faculty.ksu.edu.sa/7338/mobile%20learning/Towards%20theory%20of%20mobile%20learning.pdf

A Pedagogical Framework for Mobile Learning Yeonjoung Park, IRRODL - http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/791/1699

Mobile Tips & Resources

Mobile Phones in the Classroom: Teachers Share Their Tips - http://www.guardian.co.uk/teacher-network/2012/sep/10/mobile-phones-classroom-teaching

Tips for Designing Apps - http://theelearningcoach.com/mobile/mobile-learning-and-support-app-design/

What Students Think of Mobile Learning & What Makes a Great App - http://edudemic.com/2012/07/answer-underground-mobile-learning/

Pinterest: The Mobile Classroom - http://pinterest.com/edutopia/the-mobile-classroom/

Mobile Learning: Resource Roundup - http://www.edutopia.org/mobile-learning-resources

Text Messaging in Teaching: - http://www.jasonrhode.com/sloansms

Best Practices for Mobile Friendly Courses - http://www.blackboard.com/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?guid=c5e2f75a-39ef-4fe2-8301-564ec59dfa25

Teaching Online in the Mobile Age - http://www.jasonrhode.com/modla2012

Contact information:

Carrie Levin, Emily Boles & Michele Gribbins

colrs@uis.edu

Center for Online Learning, Research and Service

University of Illinois Springfield

One University Plaza

Springfield, IL 62703

http://colrs.uis.edu/

217-206-7531