'Why mobile technology makes sense in the 21st century classroom'
Justine Isard
Integrating ICT into the classroom is a topic which causes massive debates amongst all educators. Some educators are 100% for the inclusion of ICT while others are completely against it. My own previous opinion laid half way between being for and against the inclusion of ICT. However, until recently reading the article why mobile technology makes sense in the 21st century classroom my views on ICT integration significantly changed. Previously I was against certain aspects of technology in the classroom such as, the one-on-one laptop program and the use of ICT in certain subject areas such as English which requires extensive handwriting. However, I am now all for technology in the classroom.
The article provided me an insight into the endless benefits of mobile technology. Firstly, mobile technology can tap into a student’s preferred learning style and cater for their interests. Secondly, mobile technology is easily accessed as it incorporates an initiative nature (no need to teach students how to use the devices). For instance, students can easily investigate topics further, revisit learning or even drive their own learning. Thirdly, mobile technologies can alter a teacher’s pedagogy. Learning will become focused more on individual and personalised learning opportunities (rather than whole class teaching) and more student centred activities. This will enable student to own more control and responsibility over their learning. Lastly, using mobile technologies in the classroom can ensure students are equipped with the 21st century life skills. Thus, there really are infinite opportunities when it comes to mobile technology.
Mobile technology is becoming increasingly popular in schools. The article highlights that there are numerous advantages of mobile technologies over PCs and laptops. Obviously mobile technologies (ipads, mobile phones) are portable, easy to carry around and practical which is increasing their desirability. Mobile learning is more amazing in the classroom as they can cater for a variety of learning styles from visual, kinaesthetic (touch), verbal (audio), interpersonal (group work) and intrapersonal (individual work). Therefore, mobile technologies are beneficial to all students. In some cases mobile technology can even be more beneficial than traditional approaches. For instance, space is a challenging topic to teach young students without the use of technology. Mobile technology gives students the ability to literally look into the sky (Google sky) and with a simply touch to power to move around our galaxy.
It is hard to get educators to accept the use of mobile technologies in the classroom. Therefore I strongly believe the aim of the article was to promote the need of mobile technologies in schools to specifically educators and parents. There is no need to convince students because they are already all for mobile technology, they are even already bringing them to school and using them during class time. Whereas, parents and educators who will be paying for the technology will need to see that their money is going to good use and will benefit students. As well as this, some of the more traditional educators are still totally against the inclusion of technology and again we need to convince them of the enormous educational value mobile technology holds. The articles aim was clearly identifiable through the type of statistics the author included. For example, all of them in one way or another conveyed that mobile technology has a positive influence on students.
I agree with this article for numerous reasons. I do fully support the inclusion of mobile technology in the classroom, however I believe for success to be achieved there will need to be strong foundational rules. For instance, mobile technology was originally used as a form of constant communication, in so students need to be aware that they are also an educational device. I also believe that students should not become completely reliant on mobile technology, there needs to be a balance. I feel as tho the article has enabled me to value the use of technology and as a result in the future I will definitely implement it in my classroom.
Reference:
Isard, J. (n.d.). Why mobile technology makes sense in the 21st century classroom
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