The value of mobile technology in teaching and learning.

We now live in society that seems to need and demand instant access to information (and everything else!).  Gone are the days of when i was in school having an hour a week playing on a BBC computer and not having a clue what i was doing, in fact nothing much has changed for me in over 25 years!

 

With the introduction of the World Wide Web, students could access data from the comfort of a school computer suite or a personal computer at home.  Technology has now moved on and devices are smaller and more powerful than the ever (and continually evolving!), allowing an individual instantaneous access anywhere. Mike Britland states “The best teachers that I have seen using technology to aid independent learning are the ones who have embraced the power that is already in the pockets of students.” (Britland, 2013)  We all like our creature comforts, so for a younger student the chance to interact on their course using their personal device might actually promote an increase in interest.  United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization have embraced the mobile technology and can fully see the potential and benefits to learners, within their policy and guidelines they write “Learning can unfold in a variety of ways: people can use mobile devices to access educational resources, connect with others, or create content, both inside and outside classrooms.” (Kraut, 2013)  Mobile Technology is a way a multitude of learners can gain access throughout the world to study through a relatively cheap source.

Recourses:

Britland, M. (2013). How has technology transformed the role of a teacher? Professional developement , 1.

Kraut, R. (2013). Policy guidelines. Retrieved 12 01, 2013, from United Nations: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002196/219641E.pdf