Value of mobile technology in teaching and learning

Mobile technology could have a significant role to play in teaching and learning as it has the potential to make lessons more enjoyable and interactive for learners of all ages; mobile technology could also enable teachers to test learner’s comprehension, knowledge and ability to do things themselves by letting them work together and demonstrate what they learn (through use of mobile technology).

The value of mobile technology such as the iPad in the classroom is still being explored and with society these days needing instant access to all kind of information mobile learning is a fast developing phenomenon . Despite that I believe it is unlikely that lecturers and teachers will be entirely replaced any time soon.

‘The education industry needs new models and fresh frameworks to avoid losing touch with the radically evolving needs of its many current and potential new constituencies’ (Sergio,2012). In approaching the topic of mobile technology influencing teaching and learning I have thought of some of the mobile technology I have recently become familiar with myself such as: the stylus pen and the Interactive Whiteboard, tablet, Apps, iPad, iPod and amazing tools such as blogging. Reflecting on my recent experiences I also come to an understanding  that education needs to keep up with new developments in order to appeal to learners of all generations. It is then mostly down to the teacher to ensure mobile technology adds value to the teaching and learning experience.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20667870

Reference:

Sergio, F. (2012). 10 ways that mobile learning will revolutionize education. Retrieved December 9, 2013, from www.fastcodesign.com/1669896/10-ways-that-mobile-learning-will-revolutionize-education

Thoughts following our ICT session this week

Learning about Interactive Whiteboards (IWB) tonight was very interesting. I have seen this used many times before in Secondary Schools across Swansea and Neath-Port Talbot and it has always been mainly the 'teacher's board'. Only once I have seen students interacting with the board, during a Science lesson for Year 8 pupils.

After our ICT session today I am able to visualise and understand more how an IWB can be a useful aid to learning as well as encourage interaction.
I have learnt the distinction between the SMART board and the Promoethean board and had a chance to practice using both of them. I preferred the SMART board or the 'touch' board mainly because it doesn't require a pen or a stylus to be used as a mouse.

I have noticed Mandy has included a couple of relevant academic readings on Moodle (haven't looked at them properly yet) where we can find out more about IWB and how they can be effective, active and interactive tools for us as teachers and not only. I also really like the box of tricks Mandy posted hence why I have stolen the link and included it here.

Hopefully by next week I will have time to download the SMART Notebook software and explore it a little bit. I would like to use it if not in my micro-teaching session next week then soon in one of my teaching session on placement.

Use of Technology in this session so far - 14/10/13

Today I have learnt what a blog is and how to create one. I enjoyed this, it has opened a new world to me; an opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings about the PCET course and my journey towards gaining my qualification.
During today's session Mandy used the interactive whiteboard and a youtube video to show us what a blog is, what it can be used for and what features it has such as: followers, gadgets etc.
In order to create my first blog I had to open a Google email account. I have never had a Google email account previously but I found this easy to set up and straight forward. Once the email account was set up I was able to create my first blog 'Cristina's reflections'. This is a completely new thing and I have found it slightly challenging at times, especially trying to keep up with all my other colleagues.
I have learnt how to change the design of the blog, how to add gadgets and how to post and talk about various topics on the blog. I look forward to finding out more about blogging and using all the features available with it.

I am amazed at how much I have learnt and still have to learn every day. I didn't have a mobile phone until I was 18  years old. My first phone was a very small Nokia and I remained loyal to that brand until this summer until 2013 when I finally gave in to the new modern world of smart phones, mobile technology and yes: THE Iphone :)

I now have one and it has taken over my world from using it as a navigator everywhere I travel in the car to using the Apps  (mobile application) which bring me the news or tell me how far and how fats I am running.

Today...blogging is the new achievement that will now go on my timeline of events representing my journey of negotiating life in a Technology orientated society.