1. What is you experience of the degree of
penetration of mobile devices in your workplace/ and or teaching context?
In my view EQ is supportive of the use of
mobile devices (almost exclusively iPads) . There are a variety of resources
available through the Learning Place, in particular, One Channel recordings and
EdStudios. Access to specialist staff is also available through these channels.
In my school context there has been minimal
use of iPads in classrooms at this stage. We have 8 iPads that are borrowed
term by term from the library. Our school has had one classroom demonstration
of iPad applications for learning. While I own an iPad myself I have not used
iPads with my students….yet : )
2. How are mobile devices used in your
work/teaching context? What are they used in this way?
Mobile devices ( iPads) are mainly used in
the lower grades at the moment. I have seen them used in literacy or numeracy
rotations with students working independently on drill and skill type activities.
I think there is a greater teacher awareness of using apps for this type of
activity and there are quite a lot of apps created to help younger students
develop basic skills. This is also a safe and easy way to begin using iPads in
a classroom.
iPads are also used by special needs students
in our SEP unit but are not usually used by these students in their regular
classroom.
3. In your view, what are the main challenges
to mobile learning in your context?
Accessibility and logistics are the main
challenges in my context. Organising the borrowing of 8 iPads between 6
classes, syncing all of the devices, installing aps, recharging and safe storage
& transport of iPads around the school are all limiting factors in my view.
As mentioned in the 2013 K-12 Horizon Report
short list, ongoing professional development and peer mentoring would also be
beneficial in supporting teachers ( including myself ! ) to use iPads to
redefine tasks and support the development of higher order skills/21st
Century skills.
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