Talk:Educational Technology Innovation and Impact/Mobile Learning

Phillip Simmons - New Educational Technologies

Using Portable Media for Education

As we enter the 21st Century, teaching practices are being developed to help engage and motivate learners in new ways. These new practices in teaching and learning exploit Information Technology and new media, particularly portable Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices.

A portable ICT device is usually defined as a computer able to be carried by a person with reasonable ease with regard to its size and weight. Such devices must be able to be used without connection to a main power supply. Examples of such devices could include multimedia notebook computers (laptops), personal digital assistants (PDAs), hand-held computers, palmtop computers, programmable calculators, Compact Discs (CDs) and memory sticks.

According to research by the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta), there are several benefits to students, teachers and parents of using portable media devices in learning environments. For students, gains in understanding and analytical skills, development of writing skills, increased motivation, organisation skills and responsibility are all reported. Teachers are shown to benefit through gains in ICT literacy skills, confidence and enthusiasm. Portable devices allow access to up-to-date pupil and school data, any time and anywhere. Finally, parents gain through increased involvement in education and in some cases, self-esteem. Parents’ knowledge of children’s learning and capabilities is increased because of the increase in learning activity being situated in the home.

The Becta research also highlighted factors for effective use of portable devices. For instance, teachers and students need sufficient time for familiarisation with the devices. There needs to be ready access to technically competent staff and their use must be supported by clear pedagogical approaches and identification of specific learning goals.

A practical example of where new portable technology is being used to help students is taking place at the University of Wales, Bangor. Here, students are downloading extra information provided by some of the University’s School of Psychology lecturers to support their learning. Students have been making pod casts of lectures and even making videos which are then stored in their MP3 players and listened to or watched at a later date. These lectures can also be viewed on the internet. The University are now recording all first and second year lectures and intend to make them available to all students with disabilities.

Finally, it’s worth noting that ‘ownership’ of portable ICT devices increases students’ motivation and responsibility, with attendance and punctuality increasing as a result. Disadvantaged pupils or students can benefit in particular, as they are less likely to own ICT devices at home.

References:

British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta) (2004) What the research says about portable ICT devices and learning. Becta ICT Research.

Bibliography:

http://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Education&F=1&id=8454 accessed 13th March 2006.

Hennessy, S. 1998. The Potential of Portable Technologies for Supporting Graphing Investigations. Milton Keynes: Open University.