Laureen Kodani | ePortfolio
 
With the adoption of cloud applications, we can expect the trend for mobile devices to be considered as a pedagogical tool to encourage a more interactive and student-centered learning environment (Johnson, Adams & Cummins, 2012). I feel this is inevitable if educators want to engage learners in an effective way. Students use mobile devices to perform a variety of tasks throughout the day. Why not incorporate their current behavior in the learning process? For example, mobile users can download the Kindle app for free and use it to view eBooks and upload reading material in PDF format. An important and useful aspect is the ability to highlight and take notes. Learners can search for relevant material on the Internet or refer to digital versions of class resources. In addition, teachers can easily implement social learning components. For example, students use Twitter or a class blog to respond to questions or as a reflection of acquired knowledge. It is important to clarify the purpose of instruction and determine how mobile devices can augment the process. The planning process is critical to assure mobile devices drive, not replace, teaching and learning.

The possibilities are numerous and require teachers to be informed about emerging technologies and trends. Furthermore, teachers need to exercise flexibility, fearlessness, and fervor when learning how to use new technology in the classroom to meet the needs of digital natives.

Reference:
Johnson, L., Adams, S., and Cummins, M. (2012). Mobile apps. The NMC Horizon Report: 2012 Higher Education Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium. pp. 10-13. Retrieved from http://www.nmc.org/publications]


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