10 Tips for Mobile Learning from an International Expert
By Mark Barnes
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| via Pewinternet.org |
When I speak at education conferences, I often say, "Mobile learning is here to stay." Skeptical? Check out an array of recent studies on the PewResearchCenter website, and you'll see that kids between the ages of 12 and 18 are using mobile devices at a remarkable, always-increasing rate.
Unfortunately, in spite of the staggering statistics that Pew and other researchers provide, most teachers continue to shy away from using iPods, Kindles, Nooks and Smartphones in their classrooms. In all fairness, this is sometimes due to stringent, if archaic, school policies that require students to keep mobile devices in lockers or, worse, at home.
Embrace mobile learning
When top consultants, like Shelly Terrell, who produced this powerful slide show on using mobile devices to motivate learners, travel the world encouraging mobile learning in any classroom, it's obviously time for all educators to embrace mobile devices as teaching tools.
If you're concerned about students crossing boundaries with their devices, remember that they are kids, and they need constant coaching on appropriate use. The Golden Rule is always: devices on tabletops. Suspicious behavior typically means inappropriate activity.
When you are desperate for a mobile learning activity, even it you don't want to use the Internet, check out Shelly Terrell's "10 Ideas for Using Mobile Devices Offline to Motivate Learners." Then, trust your students to do the right thing, and amazing things might happen.
Mark Barnes is an education author and consultant and the publisher of Brilliant or Insane. Learn more about Mark on our Team page. Follow him on Twitter here.
