Essential Question
How is mobile learning impacting student experience in the classroom?
Assignment Four Standards
1d. Model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments.
5c. Evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.
5c. Evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.
How will I meet the standards?
1d. Model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments.
You will meet this standard by interacting in your Blog with your colleagues.
5c. Evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.
You will meet this standard by researching and forming an informed opinion about the use of mobile learning in the classroom.
You will meet this standard by interacting in your Blog with your colleagues.
5c. Evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.
You will meet this standard by researching and forming an informed opinion about the use of mobile learning in the classroom.
Tasks Due
What | Where | When |
Explore the resources provided concerning Mobile Learning. Post your initial impression of the use of cellphones and other mobile devices in the classroom. | Disussion Four Blog | Tuesday before midnight |
Question and clarify your colleagues' impressions of the use of cellphones and other mobile devices in the classroom over the week. Add resources to help insure that the conversation is based on research and current strategies. | Discussion Four Blog | At least 3 days during the week. Final entry due Friday before midnight. |
Form a final opinion of the usefulness of cellphones and other mobile devices in the classroom. Include your rationale and appropriate resources which shaped your opinion. | Journal | Friday by Midnight |
Resources
Egan Library
Three Ed-Tech Trends Why Mobile Learning is On the Rise
Diigo List: MLearning
Big Issues in Mobile Learning
Mobile Learning is on the Rise
Three Ed-Tech Trends Why Mobile Learning is On the Rise
Diigo List: MLearning
Big Issues in Mobile Learning
Mobile Learning is on the Rise
Assignment
This week we are exploring strategies and controversies related to the use of mobile devices and cellphones in particular in the classroom. Are cell phones a distraction, or do they present an opportunity for engaging students which can't be overlooked? As you think of cellphones, remember that most cellphones are now miniature computers. Students can take photographs, create video, access textbooks, make voicenotes and upload information when wifi is available. When our classrooms are low on technology, our students may actually be carrying with them tools that will be helpful to their learning.
In order to frame this discussion, and put it into a national perspective, please view blog entry Cellphones in the Classroom: Distraction or Tool? This resource is in the Diigo list for the week, and outlines well the challenge that has been presented by the National Education Technology Plan. While cellphones were once being checked at the door, teachers are now being challenged to harness the cellphone and use it for student learning. This creates a number of classroom management questions - and a number of questions about strategies and effective use of cellphones in the classroom. Certainly we don't want to allow students to use technology for its own sake - technology should always enhance learning. Therefore, we must research and stay up to date with the best uses of the cellphone in your discipline and for your classroom environment.
As we discuss, please try to remember that no one suggests technology should substitute for human interaction, for play, or for outdoor experiences. The argument being made, however is that our students live in a wired world. Children of privilege have more access to quality uses of technology early in life, and therefore, given the nature of the workplace and western culture, these students have an advantage. One argument for using cellphones would be that students of lower SES have great access to these tools, and could use them for quality purposes, if only they were exposed to these uses in a formal way. That being said - teachers are certainly being presented with a considerable challenge as we blaze the trails which allow us to use these ever-changing tools in meaningful ways. Please consider this argument as you research and form your opinion this week.
In order to frame this discussion, and put it into a national perspective, please view blog entry Cellphones in the Classroom: Distraction or Tool? This resource is in the Diigo list for the week, and outlines well the challenge that has been presented by the National Education Technology Plan. While cellphones were once being checked at the door, teachers are now being challenged to harness the cellphone and use it for student learning. This creates a number of classroom management questions - and a number of questions about strategies and effective use of cellphones in the classroom. Certainly we don't want to allow students to use technology for its own sake - technology should always enhance learning. Therefore, we must research and stay up to date with the best uses of the cellphone in your discipline and for your classroom environment.
As we discuss, please try to remember that no one suggests technology should substitute for human interaction, for play, or for outdoor experiences. The argument being made, however is that our students live in a wired world. Children of privilege have more access to quality uses of technology early in life, and therefore, given the nature of the workplace and western culture, these students have an advantage. One argument for using cellphones would be that students of lower SES have great access to these tools, and could use them for quality purposes, if only they were exposed to these uses in a formal way. That being said - teachers are certainly being presented with a considerable challenge as we blaze the trails which allow us to use these ever-changing tools in meaningful ways. Please consider this argument as you research and form your opinion this week.
When we use blogs during the week, your participation is graded with the Participation Checklist:
Participation Checklist
2.0 Points - Candidate makes posts to the class three days during each week
1.5 Points - Candidate posts to Reading Group by Tuesday at midnight, so that the group may respond and interact in a timely manner
1.5 Points - Candidate’s posts accurately reflect reading and/or video materials
2.5 Points - Candidate builds on the responses of classmates in the Reading Group discussion (adding new resources and promoting conversation)
2.5 Points - The first posting of the week is between 350 and 550 words in length.
Participation Checklist
2.0 Points - Candidate makes posts to the class three days during each week
1.5 Points - Candidate posts to Reading Group by Tuesday at midnight, so that the group may respond and interact in a timely manner
1.5 Points - Candidate’s posts accurately reflect reading and/or video materials
2.5 Points - Candidate builds on the responses of classmates in the Reading Group discussion (adding new resources and promoting conversation)
2.5 Points - The first posting of the week is between 350 and 550 words in length.