All of the articles provided are in support of using mobile devices in the classroom. Mobile devices can be cell phones, iPads, iPods, e-readers, etc. I thought it was important to note that a mobile device is not just a cell phone. The major argument for the use of mobile devices in the classroom is simply that they are “mobile”. There is constant access and they can be transported to other places. For example, if your class is going on a field trip, the students can take their mobile devices to capture pictures, take notes, etc. Mobile devices are also cheaper than providing laptops or desktops for the classroom. Because of the price difference, it is more realistic to provide a mobile device for each student than it is to provide a laptop for each student.
I am extremely interested in this topic because it is current. Mobile devices seem to have infiltrated all districts so I think it is important to educate myself on the capabilities of mobile devices. I feel like I am not educated enough on technology to incorporate it in my classroom at this point, but with some simple research this could easily change. There is also a lot of research out there that supports using mobile devices in the classroom such as increased vocabulary.
Reading about the various opportunities that mobile devices can provide for my students does make me excited. I think that it is a great way to get students engaged and out of the “worksheets” in a classroom. It also provides the students with experience with technology, which in today’s day and age, is very important to develop that skill set. I think that technology can really benefit any group of people. For example, there are apps created for ESL or ELL students and also students who have special needs. The options are endless with mobile devices, it just takes times to research and compile the resources necessary for the devices to be successful.
I like that you clarified that mobile devices is not pertaining to just cell phones because that is what I would have assumed it was referring to. This is a huge new trend, especially as technology develops and becomes even more mobile. With this more flexible technology, there are numerous ways these mobile devices can be implemented in the classroom. I also agree that it is important to use technology in order to help teach the youth how to use the technology in their personal life, which will farther benefit them in their personal life. As teachers, we have to make sure that we are educated on different means of technology that can benefit our students, but we can't assume that all technology is beneficial.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Blake. Thank you for clarifying because to be completely honest a mobile device in my mind is a cell phone. I had no idea that there were devices offered out there that were affordable and easy or "mobile" for students. I like the idea of students being able to take something on a field trip. I think this is a good way for them to remember what they learned and to take pictures of what interests them. For example, if the class took a trip to the zoo. They could take pictures of their favorite animals and the habitats, to maybe give them something to write about. Another thing I appreciate about these is that there are programs for ESL and ELL students. It can be a tricky thing to always incorporate these students, especially if we are not making a conscious effort. However, having these devices can give students their own personal lesson that best benefits their needs. Again I agree with Blake, in the sense that we need to educate ourselves in the technology that is available and be aware of what is beneficial and what might not be.
ReplyDeleteI love how you built upon my example of using mobile devices for field trips. Your idea is a great one! I would definitely consider using that idea. I do agree with you that technology needs to be well researched before implementing it in the classroom!
DeleteThere are many things that students could use these mobile devices that can expand the students' zoo experience. The students could write/type or create a presentation on an animal. Students would be able to use their own pictures in the project rather than ones from google. Depending on the zoo, but if it has some wifi, there could be an online scavenger hunt through their devices. If it doesn't, there could be a scavenger hunt where they have to take pictures of certain things. This scavenger hunt could get the students to go to various animals and places where they normally wouldn't go on a zoo trip. Two concerns about bringing these mobile devices on a field trip would be battery levels and the chance of a student breaking or dropping them. As we all have said, there is a lot more flexibility with using these mobile devices in the classroom.
DeleteI agree that bringing the mobile devices on a field trip would be risky, but I think it is just as likely for students to break or drop their devices in class as somewhere else. However, I don't think it would be appropriate for every field trip because it could distract from their experience.
DeleteI feel in a classroom they are much less likely to drop their devices. In my placement, students were required to carry their devices with two hands straight to their desks to minimize the chance of an accident. On a field trip, this grows exponentially.
DeleteI agree with getting away from the worksheets. We use google classroom in my classes and we hardly print papers anymore. I think students prefer using technology than paper and pencil as well, and since technology is increasing, it is important for students to learn to use it as a young age. My article talked about employers noticing a number of applicants who can not use the technology required for the job, so students need to learn to use technology as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteAshleigh,
DeleteDo you mean that you use google classroom in your placement? If so, how is that used and do you think it works well?
Yeah we put our morning work on google classroom and the students use their ipads to work and then submit it. It took a while for them to learn that they need to save and then press turn in, but once they got it, it has worked great. And it saves so much time from running down to the copier everyday!
DeleteDoes your class have a class set of ipads? If so, that's very convenient. I wonder how that would change if you had to share a cart of ipads? I only say that because every placement I have ever had, had to share a cart.
DeleteAs we'll discuss in class tomorrow, harnessing the abilities beyond traditional instruction is a key aspect to these devices making a difference in student learning. However, the 'worksheet' example, while environmentally sound, is basically asking students to do the same thing as you would pre-iPad. Think of other ways that these devices (hint: brainstorm for your lesson plan project) could go beyond replacing traditional activities.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Blake and everyone else on here that we are glad you clarified what a mobile device is because like so many, I too only think of a cell phone. I like all of the opportunities they present to us and our students, especially getting away from “worksheets”. With technology advancing so rapidly and more readily available, it’s good to be able to use more mobility, which brings more flexibility to us teachers. I also like everyone’s ideas for using them on field trips and such.
ReplyDeleteSince I agree with the comments already posted, I’d like to take this opportunity to think of the whole picture of mobile devices and be the devil’s advocate. If students bring their mobile devices on field trips to the zoo and other places, what happens if one gets lost, stolen or broken? How is it replaced? How do we make sure all of the student’s information is safe at all times if this occurs? Can we guarantee their passwords and such will truly keep the students personal information safe if they are placed on the devices? I worry that if they are taken out of the classroom, something can, and probably will happen. Then what? Do we go to the board of education and say we need more technology funds because they broke? With school budgets getting tighter and tighter every year, this is something that we as educators must be aware of if we are to allow students to take mobile devices out of the classroom. I’m all for using mobile devices, we just have to remember to look big picture.