Mobile Learning Technology in Class

What Mobile Learning is All About

Technology has reinvented and made efficient a great number of things that affect human life, such as communication, research, and even education. Schools no longer become the sole place where learning is made possible for students. Distance Learning and Virtual Learning Environments proved that even at home, education is possible. That is the concept of M-Learning, or Mobile learning.

Mobile Learning aims to utilize handheld gadgets or technologies such as mobile phones, PDA’s, netbooks and notebooks, IPAD’s, and smartphones to facilitate learning wherever and whenever possible. This methodology involves uploading and downloading materials via wireless networks, and linking them to several institutional systems such as the Virtual Learning Environments. Through mobile learning, teaching and learning are enhanced and made possible anytime and anywhere.

Sample Activities in M-Learning

Here are some M-Learning activities, and how they may be related to Bloom’s taxonomy of learning:

1. Listening to downloaded audio clips and E-books

• Low levels thinking skills: Recalling and comprehending the information heard


• Medium levels thinking skills: Applying a procedure for a recipe that was listened to


• Higher levels thinking skills: Analyzing, critiquing, and discussing a material heard

2. Watching a downloaded educational video

• Low levels thinking skills: Comprehending and remembering specific details about the video


• Medium levels thinking skills: Creating an interactive game or blogging about the video watched


• Higher levels thinking skills: Evaluating and producing summaries by using a blog or wiki

3. Downloading relevant information to the phone

• Low levels thinking skills: Reading the downloaded texts simply for the purpose of recalling and comprehending them


• Medium levels thinking skills: Analyzing the texts and applying the information in real-life situations


• Higher levels thinking skills: Synthesizing, interpreting the texts and conducting a debate about the topic

4. Recording audio clips using PDA, smartphone or MP3 player

• Low levels thinking skills: Listening and comprehending the message of the recorded audio clip


• Medium levels thinking skills: Analyzing the main points of the recorded audio clip by formulating questions about it


• Higher levels thinking skills: Critiquing the message of the audio clip and creating a blog to express one's opinion

Assessment and Success in M-Learning

One way for the students to be assessed is through E-portfolios. Evidences of learning (photographs, videos, and texts) are collected and uploaded to their E-portfolio. The tutor simply evaluates the evidences and sends feedback to the students. Various types of students, such as those with learning difficulties, or those who are work-based reap the benefits of M-Learning. Studying becomes engaging and more convenient to them.This innovative method makes learning individualized; and the completion of the coursework is hastened, but with high standards.

RESOURCES

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