Mobile+Learning+in+the+Secondary+Classroom

M-Learning: Mobile Learning for a Mobile Population Created by Kim Leverage and Jaimie Ridgely

__ **The World is Open Chapter 10** **Summary** __
Opener # 9 Real-Time Mobility and Portability

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M-learning and U-learning are simple phrases that refer to the fact, respectively, that learning is now mobile and can happen anywhere. Mobile technology such as iPhones, iPods, cell phones, mp3 players, Playstation Portables, laptops, and many other forms of portable devices have enabled m-learning and u-learning to lead the way in a learner transformation. Learners can now learn anywhere, anyhow, and any time they need or choose. Not only is this style of learning convenient, but also it is more cost effective and budget friendly than many other types of technology. Being convenient and affordable have made mobile technology exist in wide spread scenarios from the war in Iraq to the streets of your own neighborhood. Whether you are traveling across country or going to work, you can be learning.======

After sharing what mobile learning is and how wide spread it is, the author goes on to talk about several types of mobile learning accessories:

 * The Chumby, a device that connects to any wireless network, can keep people up to date on news, weather, email, or anything else. Apps can be downloaded to personalize the experience with your Chumby.
 * The iPod was the next mobile device mentioned in chapter ten. The iPod can be used to listen to anything from a lecture podcast, to music, to audiobooks. Some can be used to watch videos or to access the internet. The iPod allows students to learn and study anywhere in the world: on campus, at work, in the car, or even on a plane.
 * The iPhone was mentioned next as a mobile device that had even more uses that the iPod. Not only can an iPhone be used like an iPod, but it can also be used as a phone, a camera, or as a household tool, like a baby monitor.
 * Students on college campuses can use their iPods and iPhones to study, communicate, order food, check news, download podcasts from classes, or even to complete an assignment. These devises are cheaper and lighter than desktop computers, and able to fit into your back pocket. The convenience allows all operators to take their learning with them wherever they are. With the widespread usage of these devices, the author urges educators to think outside of the box to use these tools during instruction.
 * ======Twitter, a form of micro-blogging, is a website that allows users to be connected to each other through many devices wherever you are in the world. Twitter can be used to allow for dialogue between teachers and students, or to foster collaboration between peers in a classroom. Twitter also allows people to stay connected by receiving university alerts, announcements, and reminders. This tool also gives you insight about peers and their moods before meeting up with them.======
 * ======Smartpens, such as the Pulse from Livescribe, are also contributing to the mobile learning craze. These pens allow for learners to record notes or lectures, and then transfer them to computer files at a later date for review.======

After discussing types of mobile devices, the author went on the discuss “Mobile Giveaways in North America” (Kindle location 5599):

 * ======K-12 schools across the country are now embracing mobile learning opportunities. For example, students in North Carolina are using mobile devices to access curriculum through project K-Nect with success. As Meris Stansbury notes in her article "Program uses smart phones to increase math scores," published July, 20, 2010 in eSchool News, data collected and analyzed by Project Tomorrow, a national education nonprofit organization that provides consulting and research support to school districts, government agencies, and businesses about key trends in education, shows that, “Students improved their scores in math by an average of 20 percent, and this technology and wireless internet access ensures the equitable delivery of engaging instruction, bridging the persistent digital and achievement divides.”======
 * ======Other students across the country are using smartphones to use, “voice communication, multimedia, e-mail, messaging, and Web browsing functions,” and they can also use them as, “graphing calculators, electronic planners, and note-taking devices” (Kindle location 5604). Some colleges are even providing students with choices of iPhones or iPod touches to use for their coursework and lifestyles. Other colleges are sharing open courses with the entire world on mobile devices.======

The author went on to discuss mobile learning around the world.

 * ======People in Japan read entire novels on their phones. They use mobile phones for transportation passes, and to share information. Japan even offers classes from Cyber University, which are free to the public. Initiatives like this make learning non-stop in Japan.======
 * ======In Korea, people use their mobile phones for everything from banking to accessing personal data. Wallet phones are on the top of the list of uses for mobile technology in Korea. Additionally, nearly everywhere you go in South Korea has cheap broadband internet for people to connect to with mobile devices. They are also working on creating digital books, and smart clothing. Blogging is another way in which Koreans are staying connected.======
 * ======In Africa, teachers are getting professional development resources through mobile devices such as cell phones. Even though Africa faces many different technology issues than our country, they are still able to jump the hurdles to start embracing mobile learning.======
 * ======People in Latin America are making way for new technology in areas that have been historically illiterate and not educated. The youth in these towns are being given mp3 players to play and print stories. They refer to these devices as pocket schools, and children are being exposed to new learning opportunities as a result.======
 * ======People in the workforce are now able to access job related training on mobile devices. They can access the training when and where they need it. To provide this training, companies use podcasts, videos, collaborative wikis, teleconferencing, and many other web 2.0 activities.======

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To help spread the power of mobile learning, an organization called, One Laptop per Child are putting laptops nicknamed the “XO” in the hands of children all over the world. These laptops are built tough for rugged living conditions, and even have cranks to generate power in places without electricity. These “XO” machines allow students to communicate between peers for educational and personal endeavors. They can also access educational content and programming on these computers.======

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Through reflecting on the types of available mobile devices and the people who use them around the world, it is easy to see that we can all learn anywhere and everywhere, and often times at our own convenience. Mobile devices are more affordable than traditional devices, and therefore can be put into the hands of people from any social class. Mobile learning is changing the face of education, and educators must jump in with both feet and embrace the change.======

__Instituting m-Learning: Challenges and Solutions__
Let's face it. Change is difficult, especially when it involves learning and incorporating new technologies into lesson plans and day-to-day activities. While some educators, particularly younger educators and those who are technologically literate, will embrace the opportunities new technologies bring to education, others will see these technologies as problematic. Some may be worried that they will lose their jobs if they can not keep up with new mobile technologies; others may worry about classroom management issues; and others about the increased work load that may be needed to revamp their curriculum to include mobile learning opportunities for their students.

In a discussion between Malcolm Brown and Veronica Diaz Director and Associate Director of ELI or EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative, in a podcast created on May 4, 2010 by Gerry Bayne of EDUCAUSE, identify potential challenges that educators may encounter and provide their thoughts on how these challenges might be addressed. One issue that is discussed deals with classroom management and the behavioral challenges that may arise from using mobile technology in the classroom. As a classroom teacher, this has certainly been on my mind. As with any technology in the classroom, Brown makes it clear that appropriate boundaries regarding usage must be established. In other words, teachers should provide very clear expectations for what is and what is not acceptable. The consequences for choosing an unacceptable behavior must also be made very clear and must be consistently enforced. For example, teachers might provide a list of acceptable applications for students to use and make it very clear that using inappropriate applications or visiting inappropriate websites will result in specific disciplinary actions. Teachers might also want to set parameters on when students may contact them if there is concern about having to be "on duty" 24/7. For more on potential challenges as well as advantages to m-learning for all students, listen to Brown and Diaz' discussion "ELI Podcast: Anticipating the Future of Mobile Devices' in the Classroom" via the link below or on the EDUCAUSE website.

media type="file" key="Anticipating the Future of Mobile Devices in the Classroom.mp3" width="240" height="20"

Although not discussed by Brown and Diaz, another challenge to incorporating m-learning into curriculum for students of all ages is that teachers must feel comfortable in their abilities to teach with the ever-growing mobile technologies. Teachers who feel as they they are being asked to incorporate technologies that they do not know how to use or don't know how to use well are going to put up strong resistance to m-learning programs. And, without teacher support, m-learning initiatives will not be as successful as they could be. Even if school districts implement a plan to use m-learning, some teachers will find a way not to do so or look for ways to prove that it is not an addition to their curriculum. So, how can this problem be resolved? Professional development for educators that teaches how to use the technologies, where to find and how to use various applications, and how to "trouble-shoot" when students have problems with mobile devices is the answer. As noted by Billie Diane Bauman, an administrator for instruction at the Watkins Glen (N.Y.) Central School District, in her article "MOBILE LEARNING PIONEERS: You gave them a what?" about her district's pilot program in 2009 for smartphones in the classroom, "The key lesson we have learned this year is that whereas students are not the least bit reluctant about the use of cell phones for learning, teachers are far more hesitant. In-service and continued support for curriculum development with the handheld tool in mind is critical for maximizing the benefit of the tool and software." The Watkins Glen pilot was considered such a success that they put smartphones in the hands of all of the disctrict's 6th - 8th grade students in the 2010-2011 school year. Districts that are planning on instituting or piloting m-learning programs should follow Bauman's advice. In-service and continued support for teachers is a must.

__Mobile Learning in the Secondary Classroom__
There are many programs, apps, and other resources available for middle and high school teachers to use mobile learning at the secondary school level. These programs make mobile learning an easy to implement instructional aide. One such program is called mobl21. This program is located at www.mobl21.com, and can be used with iPhones, iPods, desktop computers, Androids, Blackberries, or iPads. Content can even be sent to social networks! This program has a free version, and a premium version for educators to use. Through this program, students can view lessons under a study guide heading, view interactive flash cards, and take quizzes at the conclusion of the lesson. The video clip below shows just how __**easily**__ mobile learning can be conducted in the middle school classroom. The options that educators now have are limitless. If this program doesn't suit your teaching style, then you could always seek out alternative apps to use for instruction with students from the Apple "Apps for Students" store.

media type="youtube" key="6jroevVv9M8" width="425" height="350"

__Additional Mobile Learning Resources:__
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Nice work! I just love the cartoon that you placed at the top of your Wiki. It really puts today's kids in a nutshell. It made me chuckle because I couldn't have a cellphone until i was 16, but over 75% of my students own them. Their cellphones are their lives! It's almost scary. I also really enjoyed watching the video about the mobil21 program. That is so neat! I know that just seeing what they're learning in class in a different format, they will be more receptive to the information and hopefully score higher on assessments. You were quick to identify misuse of smartphones and iPads in your "Problems and Solutions" section. I love the idea of posting a list of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors for using technology in the classroom. It would make the expectations very clear. Well done! ======

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"What can school do for me that a phone can't?" - Love it! haha. The whole comic was cute too. Many people, including my group, thought about issues regarding why we couldn't have it, use it, access it, etc. You are right that the misuse of the devices is also an issue. I would venture to guess that in your age bracket that would be even more of an issue than the elementary level, although I know they would try it too! I'm with Megan though, good idea about posting,. Then they cannot conveniently "forget"! haha. The EDUCAUSE was a good resource to include also, especially for those lucky enough to get to try all of these lovely ideas! ~ Angie Great summary of the issues. I enjoyed listening to the podcast, which added several points to the argument. I think the best one is that the mobile technologies will extend the school day and allow students to access information and lessons anywhere. One of the most often cited reasons for taking this course online is that the students enjoy the flexibility of being able to participate and learn at their own pace. I would think that K-12 students would feel the same way. And research is showing that minority students are sometimes outpacing other groups in their access to cell phones. So let's use that! I would not propose that mobile technology replace other technologies or be used exclusively, but surely there is a time and a place. Great cartoon!! Dr. Royer ======

Awesome cartoon! I LOVED it! Good find for this assignment! I didn't have a cell phone until I was 16 and now at 27 I would be lost without my cell phone. And when my kids come to class talking about their cell phones they just got over the weekend, for their birthday, or at Christmas I have stop and say - "WHAT??? You are only in 4th grade and you have an iPhone???" And I guess part of me wants to know why their parent spent all that money to getting them an iPhone or other smartphone, when all they are doing are calling and texting others on it! I makes me want to see how much different the kids would be if their "outside" school technology was used "inside" school or educational things. As the cell phones would really make the school extend beyond the normal hours as the kids could always access anytime, anywhere. Wonder if more parents would spend the money on these devices? Or does it become an issue of "if they are using them in school then the school should pay the bill." Boy, I think to see a totally paperless school system in America will take a HUGE overhaul but be a huge benefit - for many of the reasons that were found on your wiki. Good job! Katie F.

What a really cool idea of putting smartphones in the kids hands! I really agree with the angle that the Watkins Glen School District took in disabling the kids text messaging and phone calling capabilities and just allowing them to work on their own specific phones at directed tasks. They even went as far as to say that the kids wrote more on the phones then they would on paper and they wrote better (as far as quality as well). Mobile 21 also seems to be quite the idea by allowing teachers to get kids more involved with accessing their classes content on their mobile devices. Mobiel 21 even goes as far as to send its content to social network sites, which in my mind is a great idea. Great write up and very well done! Greg Cathell.

I have to say that I love the cartoon at the beginning! I'm sure some of our students do feel that way! Your list of all of the technologies was great. I didn't know that something like a smartpen even existed but that is neat! Being able to take notes like you normally would on pen and paper and then having it transfer into typing in your phone or ipad is awesome. That would be a great way for elementary students to practice their handwriting skills as well. Another point I didn't think about was having teachers professional development through the technology. If we are expecting our teachers to be the "teachers and leaders in technology" then why not provide their professional development through the smartphone? Good stuff! Aly Brabitz

The more and more I read about mobile technology the more I think schools should provide students with technologies such as ipads, or kindels instead of textbooks. These devices are so much more useful for students in the 21st century. In addition I also think that one day soon books will probably be removed from librarys. I never see anyone looking for a book in the library and removing the stacks would provide more room more computers. It would get rid of the library ambiance, but ti would be more functional. I thought the section about mobile learning around the world. I think the coolest part of this section was about brining MP3 Players to Latin America. I've always wanted a smartpen and this wiki made me want one even more. Lauren DePaul

The cartoon explains what a lot of students are thinking these days. The power of the internet in each students pocket but can not be utilized during school hours. Explaing and setting clear expectations for students will be key to creating a positive learning enviornment. Not only setting the rules but also enforcing them consistantly among all the children. If we can get a smart phone to every student teachers would be able to implement them in class on a daily basis. Mobile technology is coming on full force and will be knocking on the door step of the education setting, teachers and administartors need to stop fighting it embrace it for what it can do. Great Wiki. - Nick Jones