Stacia+Wagers

Are Mobile Technologies the Future of Learning? Stacia Wagers EDET 553 June 16, 2013

Stacia Wagers, I am a library media specialist for elementary school in Missouri. I am a current graduate student at Missouri Baptist University completing coursework for Masters in Education Technology.

The technology advancements of personal computing to becoming smaller, faster, and lower priced are leading to greater accessibility for the average consumer. Educators need to examine the viability of using mobile devices like tablets, electronic readers, and smartphones for distance learning. A recent article published by British journal of education technology researcher Lung-Hsiang Wong defines mobile learning as “a learning-centric conceptualization of mobile learning, where continual knowledge construction occurs seamlessly along several dimensions, including location (physical and digital, personal and social, informal and formal), and time, pedagogy, and device type, among others.”(Kiger, Herro, & Prunty, 2012, p. 62) Using mobile devices in education is a way we can connect with students and expand learning experiences outside classroom walls. Are mobile technologies the future of learning? The growing population of people who have access to mobile technology is a testament for the need to incorporate mobile learning in our schools.  “Flexibility, portability, and accessibility contribute to overall positive impression on students, while faculty concerns can be met with appropriate training and tailoring to the various teaching and learning styles present in distance education.” (Fuegen, 2012, p. 49) Walk into any high school across America and you will see all types of mobile devices. Just think of the students that can benefit from distance learning such as fine arts or sports centered students who have limited time for additional courses because of scheduling restraints. The inclusion of mobile learning allows these students to enroll in additional courses and participate at a time more convenient to them. Students missing coursework due to illness or extracurricular travel have a way to stay connected to the classroom and content. 

Global society is changing the way our world communicates with one another. Web 2.0 and other learning applications are already adapting to the changing consumer demands. We need to accept and meet students using technology that they are well versed in and adapt learning platforms to meet their individual needs. The ability to connect and interact with others around the world from mobile devices opens the avenue to so many learning opportunities. It would be irresponsible for educators not to take the next step in integrating mobile learning into our schools. The advantages of teaching and learning flexibility offered by mobile learning speak for themselves.


 * Bibliography**

Fuegen, S. (2012). The Impact of Mobile Technologies on Distance Education. TechTrends, 56(6), 49-53. Kiger, D., Herro, D., & Prunty, D. (2012). Examining the Influence of a Mobile Learning Intervention on Third Grade Math Achievement. JRTE, 45(1), 61-82. Wong, L.-H. (2012), A learner-centric view of mobile seamless learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 43: E19–E23. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8535.2011.01245.x