I haven' t got any experience in using mobile technology in the school. I can only think of using the Blackberry to check the company email while I am working outside office. In considering the uses of mobile technology in the school, I think that the mobile technology can be used in the following areas of the school:
1. EBook replaced the textbook
It is obvious that we can use the Amazon Kindles or iPads to replace the bulky textbooks. It is a good news to the students and parents. The students do not need to carry the heavy textbooks to school everyday. The price of the e-book version of the textbooks are much cheaper than the paper edition. Moreover, it helps to save the trees (environmental friendly). According to Professor Bob, the electronic version of the books also help to evolve the development of the e-Library.
2. Outdoor activties and researchWe can use the mobile technology (ie. GPS logger, mobile cam, pda, iPad) to support the outdoor activities and mobile data collection. The students can use these mobile devices to collect the field data (ie GPS position, photo, map and sound). The uses of these mobile devices can assist the students to achieve their learning objectives of the outdoor activties.
3. Textbook supplement
The multimedia capacities of the mobile devices can improve the students' learning experiences. Through the use of mobile technology, the students will be able to access the supporting multimedia to provide additional explanation of concepts in the traditional printed textbook. The following example of multimedia (Digital Storytelling in iPad):
With the use of mobile devices (ie PDA, iPad), students have more access to the premier visual learning tool that helps them to achieve clearer thinking, better writing and improved performance. It's an inspiring new way to expand thinking and learning across the curriculum.
5. Communication and collaboration tool
With the use of mobile technology, every teachers and students can access the intranet and central database of the school. They can get the up-to-the minute school information. Any information such as timetable changes, events and notices can be circulated to everyone without the delay of a paper-based system. Moreover, the teachers and students can use the mobile devices to collaborate with each others and construct their knowledge.
Cheers...Anthony
Replace textbooks with ebooks during classes, one major practical barrier needs to surpass is how to assure students can reject the temptation to use iPads in other more interesting ways (say, Games?)
ReplyDelete