It is apparent that the UK has recognized the importance of incorporating mobile devices in the classroom. They have conducted numerous studies and have implemented pilot programs throughout all levels of education which shows their commitment to embracing m-learning. A Handheld Learning Conference was held in 2007 where various researchers, teachers, administrators, and business professionals shared their experiences and findings to others in the industry. The different presenters provided statistics and information about a wide range of information from how to incorporate games in the learning process to cyberbullying and risk children experience while on the web. To view the various presentations at the conference, visit http://handheldlearning.blip.tv/#452721.
M-learning can provide a great opportunity for teachers to extend the classroom. As an American witnessing the changes that are taking place in other countries such as the UK, I am left wondering what will it take for the U.S. to catch up with the rest of these countries. What will it take for Americans to view their mobile device as something other than an entertainment tool? I'm not sure. However, there is one big difference I have noticed about how the UK is approaching technology in education and the approach the U.S. is taking and it has to do with commitment. The leaders in the UK are committed to trying something new and embracing mobile technology while the U.S. NCLB technology plan discusses the importance of incorporating technology in the classroom but falls short in mandating and implementing a clear technological plan.
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5 comments:
That was a great video clip and demonstrates the impact mobile learning is having on a global front. I have to wonder if part of the reason mobile learning on an educators perspective has not risen to this level of interest in the US is due to funding issues, as well as skepticism in it's functionality. Perhaps many educators feel like this is just another fad and not worth the personal investment to change their teaching strategies
KB
I would have to agree that commitment would have to be the underlying issue. I say this because this country's level of commitment is reflected in funding. The U.S. spends alot of money per child, but what on? In FL the focus is on smaller class sizes so the schools are being built and the teachers hired, but there has been no increase in training opps for teachers regarding new technology implementation or use.
Personally, I believe that we have to improve our use of technology in the classroom to make learning more meaningful and universal not just make the presentation a little more interesting. If we as educators can really think ahead, maybe we should find some way to incorporate cell phone technology in the classroom so students will see those as something other than a class distraction.
I feel like sometimes big brother is holding us back. The use Mobile Learning technology to teach students in remote parts of the world, but we can't seem to make it big in the US. I cannot understand why it wouldn't start at home. Your choice of video clips was excellent. Thanks for sharing.
Elizabeth
Bridget, Have you gone mobile with your blog yet? When changing my del.icio.us link on my blog page, I saw the option on our settings page that tells us how to add our blogs to a mobile device and how to post from a mobile device. If you haven't already, you should check this out. Go onto your Dashboard, select to manage your blog. You should see it about mid way down on the right.
Elizabeth
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