With the rapid rise in the popularity of mobile devices (
Anthony, 2012 ), the uptake of these devices in the business word (Upside
Learning, 2013 ) and the predictions of recent Horizon reports (2013) it is clear that mobile learning has an important
role to play in preparing students for future success.
Though there are academic studies devoted to exploring
the benefits of using mobile devices within classrooms (Swan, et al., 2005), convincing
evidence of the benefits of mobile learning comes from listening to, and
reading, the testimonies of students and teachers who have used this mode of
learning successfully in their classrooms (Rural and Distance Education ;
Cline, 2012, Education Queensland, 2014 ). These success stories have not come about by
accident. A clear vision, ongoing reflection and professional support ( Education Queensland, 2014) have all played
a part in overcoming the financial, organisational and technical obstacles to
implementing mobile learning within a school context ( Joyce, 2014).
The term mobile devices applies to a number of devices, mobile
phones and smart phones, e-book readers, tables, MP3 players and portable media
players. In my discussion of mobile learning, I focus almost exclusively on the
affordances of iPads.
After considering the tangible benefits of mobile learning in relation to my particular context ,
I chose the following to explore in more depth.
- immediacy of communication
- encourages reflection in close proximity to the learning event
- increases accessibility for learners with special educational requirements
REFERENCES
Anthony, S. (2012, December 13). Microsoft’s share of the
consumer market has dropped from 95% to 20% in 8 years | ExtremeTech. Retrieved
August 10, 2014, from http://www.extremetech.com/computing/143277-microsofts-share-of-the-consumer-market-has-dropped-from-95-to-20-in-8-years
Education Queensland.(2014) mLearning : Educator’s guide to mobile devices and
learning V1.0 retrieved August 9, 2014, from https://staff.learningplace.eq.edu.au/teaching/pedagogy/Documents/mLearning_guide_v2.0.pdf
How are others using mobile learning?. Rural &
Distance Education NSW. Retrieved August 9, 2014, from http://www.rde.nsw.edu.au/how-are-others-using-mobile-learning
Mobile devices for learning: What you need to know.
(2012, January 1). Edutopia. Retrieved August 9, 2014, from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED539398.pdf
Joyce, K. (2014). Kylie Joyce eLearn Reflections
EDEL20003. : Mobile Pedagogy: iPad Affordances. Retrieved August 10, 2014, from
http://kjoyc263m3.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/mobile-pedagogy-ipad-affordances.html
Sparking innovation, learning and creativity.. (n.d.).
NMC Horizon Report > 2013 K-12 Edition. Retrieved August 10, 2014, from http://www.nmc.org/publications/2013-horizon-report-k12
Swan, K., Hooft, M. v., Kratcoski, A., & Unger, D.
(2005). Uses and effects of mobile computing devices in K-8 classrooms. Journal
of Research on Technology in Education, 38(1), 99-112. Retrieved August 1,
2014, from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ719939.
Why Mobile Learning Is The Future Of Workplace Learning.
(2013). Why Mobile Learning Is The Future Of Workplace Learning. Retrieved
August 10, 2014, from http://www.upsidelearning.com/infographics/why-mobile-learning-is-the-future-of-workplace-learning/
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