Mobile Technology in the Classroom

Why is mobile learning important in today's classrooms?


 





The world of technology is advancing so quickly, so it is only fitting that the world of education evolve with it. Robleyer and Doering state that "the technological norms are no longer the typewriter and the telephone, but the laptop, tablet, and smart phone" (Roblyer and Doering, 2010, p. 204).  I have seen first hand, with the one-to-one laptop initiative in my classroom, just how beneficial having technology can be. Bringing technology into the classroom gives students so many advantages and capabilities right at their fingertips. Not only does technology teach students life skills they will use outside the classroom, it also helps keep their attention during individual lessons. Our course text states that "teachers say technology's visual and interactive qualities can direct students' attention toward learning tasks" (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, p. 25). The math classes at my school have received classroom sets of iPads. Although I have not used iPads for instruction in my classroom, I have heard how beneficial they are from my colleagues who do have them in their classrooms.

I would use iPads in a variety of ways in my classroom such as to present information, take tests, and play games. I use laptops for some tests now, but there are apps that would allow me to test students on the iPad. One major advantage of testing on the iPad would be that students receive immediate feedback on their work. This would also save time for teachers where grading is concerned, along with the benefit of conserving paper. iPads could also be used to help hold students attention in the classroom. Finding apps and games to reinforce  concepts and skills taught during instruction is also a beneficial part of using iPads for student learning. The course text states that "instructional games add game-like rules and/or competition to learning activities" (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, p. 94). I have found that incorporating instructional games into the classroom setting very beneficial. Students become very engaged and concerned with their own learning when there is a sense of competition.

It is also always crucial to stress the importance of teachers using technology to enhance education instead of to replace teacher instruction. Technology can never replace quality instruction from an educator, but it can be an influential tool in engaging all students of various learning styles in their own learning. Roblyer and Doering state, "students who learn by creating their own products with technologies report higher engagement in learning and greater sense of pride in their achievements" (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, p. 25).

Mobile Apps for the Classroom

1.) Practice English Grammar 2

This app can be used for both iPads and iPhones. It has grammar lessons as well as hundreds of practice tests that students could use to reinforce grammar skills taught in the classroom... and it's FREE!

2.) Irregular Verbs Fun Deck

This app is an interactive app for i Phones iPad that would be great for students when practicing the difficult skill of subject/verb agreement. This allows students to visually practice subject/verb agreement skills.

3.) Grammar Express: Tenses

Grammar Express: Tenses is a FREE app for both iPads and iPhones. This is great practice for students when practicing using correct verb tenses. 

4.) Grammar Express: Parts of Speech

This is a FREE app that would be very beneficial in the classroom. It would be great for students to practice 

5 Ways Teachers are using Mobile Technology in the Classroom #mlearning http://t.co/UFi3iPLuav

— Tim Ridgway (@califone) July 1, 2013