Location, Location, Location: mLearning in Practice

Many learners in a variety of contexts these days have smartphones, iPhones, Android-based devices, iPads, iPod Touches, Kindles and a plethora of other handheld devices which have the ability to connect to the Net and access a wide variety of information in multiple formats.

This set of tools is further enhanced by increased access to wireless networks and other means of connecting to the wider world whilst mobile. Indeed, market penetration of mobile devices – and the accompanying infrastructure – is far greater than that of fixed or laptop computers, thus enabling a more inclusive use in educational settings.

However, it is still the practice in most institutions to require both teachers and learners to turn off such devices during class time, thus depriving them of this rich source of input.

Much of this attitude may be put down to a number of factors including lack of experience on the part of the teacher, fears over control and attention distraction and a general unease at the creep of technology into our classrooms.

In this workshop I will briefly look at the history of mobile and handheld learning, as well as a rationale for blending it into the curriculum (in appropriate contexts), before moving on to a practical demonstration and discussion around applications and their classroom use.

Participants will have a chance to share their experiences and teaching ideas with the rest of the group.

You can find extra information in the following links:

1) mLearning Bookmarks

2) mLearning Slides (pdf format)

If the video schedule doesn't allow for filming my session, I will make an audio recording of it and link to it here after the session.

Please feel free to join in the conversation here, or to contact me if you need any further information.

Gavin
March 2011