Mobile Learning

Before this lab, I didn't have a great understanding of mobile learning. I thought that mobile learning was on a cell phone. However, I now realize that mobile learning covers so many technologies.

Since I have an iPhone, I was especially interested to learn about mobile learning through an iPhone and iPod. There are so many options that it can be a bit overwhelming. One of the best features, in my opinion, is the ability to collaborate. For example, there is an app called Whiteboard Lite. It is a collaborative drawing tool. Two different iPods or iPhones can work together on the whiteboard at the same time. Another great collaborative app is Google. The Google app (including docs and calendars) are incredibly user friendly.

Check this out! This is a video about using the iPhone to learn. I never thought of all the things I could do with my camera on the iPhone!

When I do go back to the classroom, I hope to try out mp3 players as well. They seem like a great, cost effective tool. One of the suggestions was to use mp3 players during book talks or centers. The mp3 can be a great way to share directions with students so that teachers do not have to run around the room answering the same questions.

Now that I have a better understanding of mobile learning, I am really excited to try some ideas out. I feel that mobile learning can get students excited because they get to use "fun" tools to learn. I think that monitoring student use of these devices could cause a problem. Implementing and monitoring these devices will take time and thought. Students need to understand what the purpose of them using the tool is while in the classroom.