Mobile learning: Not just laptops any more
New advances in mobile technology could help schools realize the promise of true anytime, anywhere learning
By Jennifer Nastu, Contributing Editor
Last fall, nearly 50 percent of middle and high school students said they carried some type of smart phone.
Not all that long ago, the term “mobile learning” implied laptop computers and mobile carts that were wheeled from classroom to classroom. Now, as a growing number of students carry smart phones, tablets, and other mobile devices that can connect to the internet wirelessly through a cellular as well as a Wi-Fi connection, the definition of “mobile learning” is expanding—and with it, the possibilities inherent in the term.
The rise of mobile technologies small enough to carry in one’s pocket, and the increasing power and functionality of these devices, is causing a seismic shift in education technology.
Last fall, nearly 50 percent of middle and high school students said they carried some type of smart phone—a 47-percent increase from fall 2009, according to Project Tomorrow’s annual Speak Up survey of students, parents, teachers, and administrators on their uses and views of school technology.
For more on mobile learning, see:
Leveraging the Power of Mobile Learning
Innovative learning content for mobile devices
There are now five billion wireless subscribers in the world, and of those, 1 billion are 3G subscribers, according to Wireless Intelligence. By 2014, there will be 2.8 billion 3G subscribers. (3G refers to a third-generation cellular network, which is capable of streaming video and other bandwidth-intensive applications wirelessly. Already, some providers are rolling out 4G services that promise even faster download speeds and more capabilities.)
As mobile learning has come to mean something very different than it once did, the very definition of a mobile device may be changing. Mark Anderson of Strategic News Service, a predictive newsletter covering the computing and telecommunications industries, says there are three categories of today’s popular computing devices: the laptop, the carry-along (which includes netbooks, iPads, and other slates), and the mobile.
5 Responses to Mobile learning: Not just laptops any more
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Maria Bossa
February 28, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Will this make an end of f2f education? Hope not!
Maria Bossa
February 28, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Will this make an end of f2f education? Hope not!
ber092107
March 1, 2011 at 2:49 am
I learned a lot from this article.
ber092107
March 1, 2011 at 2:49 am
I learned a lot from this article.
vincent052
March 2, 2011 at 12:12 pm
It’s exciting when students have access to a variety of tools where learning can be made personal, meaningful, and productive. In fact, a group of K-12 educators are organizing a conference in Phoenix April 6-8, 2011 called Mobile Learning Experience 2011. Teachers from around the world will gather to share successes, struggles, lessons, ideas, and their passion for engaging today’s students. http://mobile2011.org
vincent052
March 2, 2011 at 12:12 pm
It’s exciting when students have access to a variety of tools where learning can be made personal, meaningful, and productive. In fact, a group of K-12 educators are organizing a conference in Phoenix April 6-8, 2011 called Mobile Learning Experience 2011. Teachers from around the world will gather to share successes, struggles, lessons, ideas, and their passion for engaging today’s students. http://mobile2011.org
Colin Byrne
March 3, 2011 at 10:06 am
I agree with the general message of this article. the emphasis on using devices for homework, however, is misplaced. the mobile devices should be a general learning tool. Students should not have separate “homework” that they do on the devices. It should just be a continuation of what is going on in class. Great information on managing devices in the classroom.
Colin Byrne
March 3, 2011 at 10:06 am
I agree with the general message of this article. the emphasis on using devices for homework, however, is misplaced. the mobile devices should be a general learning tool. Students should not have separate “homework” that they do on the devices. It should just be a continuation of what is going on in class. Great information on managing devices in the classroom.
BBrown8061
March 9, 2011 at 11:31 am
Great article. Thank you. Mobile learning is a powerful tool (when used properly) to help teachers offer differentiated instruction, soltuions for RTI (Response to Intervention) and help with a variety of learning styles – that were harder to administer in years past.
Our web site contains teacher resources to help integrate technology into the classroom http://www.eskillslearning.net
BBrown8061
March 9, 2011 at 11:31 am
Great article. Thank you. Mobile learning is a powerful tool (when used properly) to help teachers offer differentiated instruction, soltuions for RTI (Response to Intervention) and help with a variety of learning styles – that were harder to administer in years past.
Our web site contains teacher resources to help integrate technology into the classroom http://www.eskillslearning.net