Stephanie+Jaegers

"Are Mobile Technologies the Future of Learning?"
By: Stephanie Jaegers Missouri Baptist University EDET 553 SU13

Mobile technology is everywhere. In addition to smartphones; tablets, e-readers, and iPod touches have become a huge part of our society. Younger students have not been around for a time where these tools did not exist. With all of the amazing capabilities these tools possess, it simply does not make sense to not utilize them in the classroom.

Students are already familiar with how to operate most of these devices and are able to learn new apps and programs quickly. I went to a high school with the policy that cell phones should never been seen or even turned on during school hours. That thinking is no longer practical. Most adults use these technologies constantly in their professional as well as personal lives. Why should students not do the same? Don’t adults face the temptation of using their computers or phones for personal, non-work related purposes while at work? Students should be practicing how to appropriately use their device while at school so they can be more prepared for the real world.

Mobile technologies are devices that many students already have. If students can bring their device to school and use it for instruction this improves access while not costing school districts money in purchasing devices.

“Students are more engaged and motivated to learn when they use mobile devices, and research shows that academic performances can improve. We as educators need to take note of this, and look for safe, productive ways to integrate mobile learning devices into our curriculums (Wylie).” With adequate training, I believe any teacher can use mobile technologies in their classroom. Professional development needs to be created to assist teachers in implementing mobile technologies into their classrooms. Students are highly motivated by technology. They are “digital natives” who spend much of the life outside of school using technology. They should absolutely be using technology while at school. Mobile technology is a way to accomplish this with lesser costs than providing large numbers of desktop computers or laptops, especially if districts can work out a “bring your own device” plan.

As with any shift in education, mobile learning is something that cannot just happen overnight. Teachers need background knowledge and will need to do some trial and error to see what works with their students. Education needs to keep up with how our “digital native” students learn. Utilizing mobile technology is one of the best ways to evolve education to meet their needs.

//-Stephanie Jaegers is a certified educator. She is currently working as a classroom assistant in the St. Louis area and working towards a Masters in Educational Technology from Missouri Baptist University. //

Wylie, J. (n.d.). Mobile Learning Technologies for 21st Century Classrooms. In Scholastic. Retrieved June 16, 2013
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