The Value of Mobile Technology in Teaching and Learning

Mobile technology (M-learning) is constantly developing in education, as Petty (2004 p. 375) states 'Don't forget digital cameras video cameras and mobile phones; these can also be very useful resources for students and teachers' mobile technology allows greater access to learning resources, whereas fixed nodes such as desktop PC's have restricted access due to time and location.

Starr (2003) states that the success of using M-learning as a learning resource is its independence to time and place. This involves:

• the use of mobile access devices such as laptop computers hand-held Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and  mobile phones
• the enhancement/development of learning materials and management systems to work with an increasing range of access devices
•  the development of learning opportunities created through the development of these technologies. Starr (2003)

There are many benefits for using M-learning, students have constant access to e-learning resources and activities and it enables continuous communication between learners via e-mail and discussion groups to aid with learning. It can enhance interactivity in contact teaching situations and as the technology is mobile it can enhance learning environments that are outside the classroom, i.e adventurous activities venues.

PDAs and laptops can facilitate a great level of interaction when used in contact sessions.
Starr (2003). It enables opportunities for polling groups, allowing students to share opinions and vote to choose for the teacher to change the activities or topics being taught. Anonymous contributions to discussions and brainstorms can encourage greater participation and for introvert students to express their opinions and ideas.

It must be emphasized that like all technology used in teaching there are barriers with M-learning and that it can not be relied on in its own right.
Starr (2003) quotes the following constraints:

• Infrastructure costs- who provides mobile devices and pays mobile phone contracts and billing
• Increased admin and support- initial set-up, maintenance and trouble shooting mobile devices demands a significant amount of support
• Managing learning resources
• Accessibility
• Increased demands on tutors - 24/7 access to learning resources may lead to increased demands on tutors

However, I feel there are greater benefits than constraints and used with other teaching strategies enhance students learning and access to teaching resources.

References

Petty, G. (2004) 'A practical Guide Teaching Today'  Third Edition. Cheltenham. Nelson Thomas Ltd.Starr, S. (2003) 'Application of Mobile technology in Learning and Teaching: 'M-learning'