Week3 Entry 4: Response to Mohamed Mobile Devices & Education

Mohamed Bahrani said:

 Newer generations are more flexible and accepting of new technologies. They are digital learners, open to new technologies and have the gift of multitasking, especially when it comes to computers and digital media. However, recently we noticed a movement toward small mobile devices. Laptops have become more like a fixture compared to the use of Cell phones, iPods, Smart Phones, etc. Having said that, when will these devices replace computes in schools? Or will they?

 

Looking at what iPhone applications and tools can offer, I can simply predict the use of such devices in education, schools, and businesses to enhance learning. Furthermore, I believe that we will witness the appearance of mobile LMS & PLE devices that are more compatible with each other and serve as user friendly cross platforms for people to manage & learn remotely from almost any place. Moreover, businesses that create educational games, calculators, camera, etc realized the advantages of mobile devices. Many of these products were building with wireless capability and come with dynamic IPs. Cell phone, mobile devises, and wireless communication technologies are evolving and invading almost all aspects of our live, and will play its roll in education too. Surviving in this competitive technological world requires flexibility. For me, flexibility means fast, Internet accessible, and practical small wireless devices.

 

Response:

The introduction of mobile phones in school has already begun, and through research for my thesis I uncovered some interesting applications. One of those applications was GoogleVoice, http://www.cellphonesinlearning.com/2009/04/create-oral-quizzes-speech-to-text.html

Google Voice allows users many adjustable setting in order to better fit the application of the product. Some of the suggested uses include using the application for English language learning by providing quiz questions and a voicemail box for the students spoken answers. This would be a great resource for quizzes from home allowing for more practice at school and this also lets the teacher grade from home or office rather than taking up class time.