The value of mobile technology in teaching and learning

One example of mobile technology in teaching and learning I recently witnessed was then the lecturer, at the start of the lesson asked the learners to log onto Kahoot.it and take part in a quiz.  The learners took out their smartphones, logged in and took part in the quiz.  The lecturer was able to get instant feedback as to how many of the learners answered correctly, but also how many answered the other probable answers.  The lecturer was then able to question and explain as to why the other probable answers were wrong and why the correct option was the correct answer. Other software used such as Nearpod also offers for real-time assessment and feedback to learners.

Using mobile technology in teaching and learning is increasing in education.  Most schools have the internet, desktops, and increasingly tablets, iPads, smartphones, and in general the population at large have some form of mobile device.  Fuller and Joynes (2015) argue that the usage from schooling years, means that higher education students will expect to use mobile technology throughout their higher education.

In current times, the majority of students are confident with technology with no need to be trained how to access apps, web pages and software.  It is a norm for them as they have grown up with technology.  But teachers also need to be learned in the use of the apps but this in itself needs to be carefully considered as which one will be suitable across multiple platforms, from android, iphone, ipad, tablets and smartphones Fuller and Joynes (2015).

Mobile devices allows for teachers to personalise learning for each student. A visual learner can access pictorial instructions in 3-D, a reader can read the instructions and a listener listen.  A kinaesthetic learner can construct in the virtual world.  Learning using mobile devices allows for lessons to be differentiated for each student. 

Mobile technology allows the learner to have an interactive learning experience, one of discovery and experiential learning, anywhere. The mobile devices give the learner the freedoms to learn anywhere, in class, the house, on the train or bus, and on the go.

The Office of National Statistics’ report on internet access for households and individuals 2015 shows how mobile technology can be used to support teaching and learning.  The report stated that “almost all adults aged 16 to 24 (96%) accessed the internet on the go, compared with only 29% of those aged 65 years and over”. Another interesting statistic was that the internet was “accessed every day, or almost every day, by 78% of adults (39.3 million) in Great Britain in 2015, compared with 35% (16.2 million) in 2006, when directly comparable records began”.  Whilst the report does not state how many used it for educational purposes, the level of internet access and particularly ‘on the go’ offers immense opportunity to education purposes. 

References:

Fuller, R, & Joynes, V 2015, 'Should Mobile Learning Be Compulsory for Preparing Students for Learning in the Workplace?', British Journal Of Educational Technology, 46, 1, pp. 153-158, ERIC, EBSCOhost, viewed 17 January 2016.

http://www.information-age.com/technology/mobile-and-networking/123460243/how-mobile-technology-education-shaping-next-generation-employees. (Accessed on: 15 January 2016).

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/rdit2/internet-access---households-and-individuals/2015/index.html (Accessed on: 15 January 2016).