VATE - The role of the mobile technology in the English classroom
We are already aware that information and communication technologies are changing the way our students share, use, develop and process information. The abundance of resources made available to them through the internet means that our role as educators needs to be revisited as our students are beginning to expect to be able to learn, work and study, whenever and wherever they want.
According to the Melbourne Declaration “Young people need to be highly skilled in the use of ICT”. The Declaration also states that while many schools are beginning to employ the use of these technologies it is vital that there is an increase in their effectiveness over the next decade.
Effective integration of technology must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process. In particular, it must support four key components of learning: active engagement, collaboration, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. Effective technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent and when technology supports curricular goals. The potential of wireless and mobile technology to enhance teaching and learning is so great that it is currently at the forefront of technological advancements in education. Mobile learning is here and it is impacting how students learn and how educators teach. These wireless devices which are small and portable and usually wi-fi enabled do not confine students to one classroom… in fact a majority of students already have one of these devices in their pockets – their mobile phone!
One of the features of technology is the rapidity with which new developments embed themselves in the culture, behaviour and mindsets of Australians, and particularly young Australians. As educators we need to ensure that we communicate in ways which are relevant to young people, so that they may benefit from the skills and understandings we seek to impart. Our 5 and 6 year olds are not going home and playing with an interactive whiteboard – they are using their Dad’s iPhone or playing on their Mum’s tablet. According to the Horizon Report Mobile technology will have a significant impact on education and creative expression in the coming year. This report which describes areas of emerging technologies states that mobile technology enables access to information, social networks, tools for learning and productivity – they provide access to anywhere, anytime learning. As these devices continue to evolve they provide increased access to affordable and reliable networks meaning students are always connected.
The most important benefit of using technology and indeed mobile technology in the classroom is that it allows teachers to differentiate and tailor their teaching to suit individual learners. Mobile devices like the iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab have simple operating systems which enable students to find suitable software at the click of a button. For example: Students could make a simple PowerPoint/KeyNote Presentation or they could use PhotoComic, Strip Design, PuppetPals, Prezi or Halftone – all application software which collectively costs less than $6. Students now have choices! They have tools at their fingertips which promote higher order thinking and engage them in the learning process.
According to the Melbourne Declaration “Young people need to be highly skilled in the use of ICT”. The Declaration also states that while many schools are beginning to employ the use of these technologies it is vital that there is an increase in their effectiveness over the next decade.
Effective integration of technology must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process. In particular, it must support four key components of learning: active engagement, collaboration, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. Effective technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent and when technology supports curricular goals. The potential of wireless and mobile technology to enhance teaching and learning is so great that it is currently at the forefront of technological advancements in education. Mobile learning is here and it is impacting how students learn and how educators teach. These wireless devices which are small and portable and usually wi-fi enabled do not confine students to one classroom… in fact a majority of students already have one of these devices in their pockets – their mobile phone!
One of the features of technology is the rapidity with which new developments embed themselves in the culture, behaviour and mindsets of Australians, and particularly young Australians. As educators we need to ensure that we communicate in ways which are relevant to young people, so that they may benefit from the skills and understandings we seek to impart. Our 5 and 6 year olds are not going home and playing with an interactive whiteboard – they are using their Dad’s iPhone or playing on their Mum’s tablet. According to the Horizon Report Mobile technology will have a significant impact on education and creative expression in the coming year. This report which describes areas of emerging technologies states that mobile technology enables access to information, social networks, tools for learning and productivity – they provide access to anywhere, anytime learning. As these devices continue to evolve they provide increased access to affordable and reliable networks meaning students are always connected.
The most important benefit of using technology and indeed mobile technology in the classroom is that it allows teachers to differentiate and tailor their teaching to suit individual learners. Mobile devices like the iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab have simple operating systems which enable students to find suitable software at the click of a button. For example: Students could make a simple PowerPoint/KeyNote Presentation or they could use PhotoComic, Strip Design, PuppetPals, Prezi or Halftone – all application software which collectively costs less than $6. Students now have choices! They have tools at their fingertips which promote higher order thinking and engage them in the learning process.
