Mobile

Student use of smartphones and other mobile devices continues to multiply daily as more and more students have access to hand-held, portable digital devices. Students interact with their mobile devices on a daily basis, bringing these devices to school with them each day. It is time educators harness these student devices students are familiar with and use every day and connect them to class content. Some of the methods educators can utilize students’ personal devices for academic gain is through the use of QR codes and live polling in the classroom (Miller, 2016). Using a QR generator, students can use their smartphones to walk through the learning steps of an assignment by scanning QR codes hidden around the classroom. Live polling can be utilized for use as a quick exit ticket, engagement tool, check for understanding, or for collecting student opinions using student smartphones. Both of these options create high levels of student engagement and intrigue that a worksheet does not provide. Students can also use their own mobile devices to access the online classroom learning management system and teacher website to access student materials and assignments (Miller, 2016).

Utilization of a smartphone or other mobile device in the classroom provides students with a powerful participation tool and encourages student participation (Persaud, 2014). Students use their device for note taking, voice recording notes, taking photographic evidence, and/or dictating notes, self-differentiating based on their needs and personal skill level. Students are able to adjust and differentiate automatically dependent on their learning style, interests, and readiness level without other students taking notice or needing outside support from the teacher – differentiation is automatic. This makes for a powerful learning experience without limitations, empowering students to become knowledge constructors and creative communicators with the world around them (International Society for Technology in Education-Students, 2021).