Trisha+Watson

Trisha

Mobile Learning….Are We Ready? The answer to that question will probably depend on who you ask….teachers or students. Our students have had experience with mobile learning for years now. Watch a school age child who needs to find out information, what device are they using? More likely than not they will whip out a smartphone, tablet, or wireless laptop and have their information in seconds. This is how our current students have taught themselves to learn and should continue to be taught. It is a natural process for them; they have taken to it and adapted these devices to fit their needs. Sound familiar? That’s because that is what we do as educators on a daily basis-take a lesson and adapt it to meet students’ needs, this is what is natural for us. So, the big question is should we teach in a manner that is more natural for students or for ourselves? My answer in short, we rise to the occasion and continue to meet the needs of students in a manner that is natural to them. Let’s face it; society has proven over and over again that students will learn regardless of a face to face or mobile learning environment. All one has to do is look at the gaining popularity of online courses and degree programs or how about the growing popularity of the smart phones, “Ericsson, one of the leading manufacturers of mobile devices, states that by 2015, 80% of the world population will have access to the internet by a mobile device (Educause Review, 2011). Verizon, a leading phone and internet delivery company, suggests by 2015, all cell phones will be ‘smart phones’ with the capability to access the internet, download, upload and implement mobile apps for education, entertainment and social activities (M. Williams, Verizon, personal correspondence 2010).” We can’t deny the growing popularity of these types of mobile technologies that are aiding in students learning and their potential as a sole source of education in the future. Yes, there will be glitches and difficulties-but we cannot let the fear of the unknown prevent us from meeting the ever-changing needs of our students. The article “Mobile Learning At the Tipping Point” discusses three of the most common thought educational issues surrounding mobile learning. The issues of most concern are the three following areas: pedagogical; communication; and infrastructure. Looking at mobile learning from the pedagogical stand-point the article states, “Mobile technologyin a learning environment does not change the essential aspects of how people learn. Learning does not occur passively and research shows that there is greater learning when students engage in active learning (as cited in McKinney, 2011; Meyers & Jones, 1993). Communication, which was another area of concern, according to the article would be improved through the use of mobile devices. Students and faculty would have more opportunities and ways to communicate with one another through the use of blogs, wikis, text messaging, and Skype. The final area of concern, according to the article, is infrastructure. Difficulties in keeping up with upgraded technologies and cross-compatibility may be solved through the use of an app mark up code which will allow the app to run and be present on all mobile devices (Franklin, 2011). The use of mobile learning technologies are a way for use as educators to provide more active involvement and develop more independent learners. Change can be difficult for many, but education, technology, and the minds of our students are ever changing fields. We too must be willing to change ourselves and our thinking in order to continue to meet the needs our students and education. So what do you think…..Are you ready for mobile learning?

Trisha Watson is a 3rd grade teacher in the Hillsboro R-3 School District. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Technology degree at Missouri Baptist University.

References Educause. (2011). 7 Things you should know about open textbook publishing. //Educause Learning Initiative// (educause.edu/eli). McKinney, K. (2011). Active learning. //Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology//. Retrieved from [] Franklin, T.. . Mobile learning at the tipping point. Retrieved from []