Managing E-Learning 2013: Assignment 1, Reflection 5, Week 6

Digital Technologies

Mobile phones
iPod Touch
iPads

Every teacher wants to engage there students in the classroom the best way possible.

Source: Google Images

Mobile phones in the classroom?

There has been recent debates about whether or not mobile phones should or should not be used in the classroom. John Eyles discusses in his video his view on mobile phones the advantages and disadvantages of using them in the classroom. Eyles mentions how incredible they are, "Social network in your hand. Personal learning network that amplifies its power and potential." Although he also stresses on the negative aspect of how people can easily become 'obsessed' with their mobile phone.

Mobile phones have the potential to change the way schools work while relating to people and educational content. But should mobile phones be introduced into the classroom? Mobiles phones, as we all know, are very important to everyone in our day-to-day lives. So the suggestion has been made that is we introduce mobile phones into the classroom there is potential on them being very relevant and also engaging.

On a negative spin, if we were to introduce mobile phones into our classrooms, would that mean they would take the place of laptops? Discussion by Eyles was had, that perhaps if mobiles were introduced they would take over the current schooling budget and even replace laptops all together. Although mobile phones are engaging and a very useful communication tool, they cannot replace the use of laptops. Laptops are so important for student learning- they are a large tool and easy for students to display their learning on. There is also the risk of cyber bullying made easier in the classroom with just the push of a button if mobile phones are introduced.

In conclusion, mobile phones could be placed into classrooms under the correct supervision, but they cannot take over current technologies.

Source: Google Images

iPods touches and iPads in the classroom

Source: Google Images

"All the worlds learning in it, at your fingertips opens up new doors to new knowledge, it transforms you" - JoAnne Boyle.

iPod touches and iPads both have very similar aspects- the size of them is really the major difference.

I personally think the use of iPads in the classroom would be more effective than iPod touches because their size- easier to read and manipulate information. Although for those student who don't have access to an iPad at home could easily interact with their iPod touch.

iPads promote: Enthusiasm, Excitement, Engagement and Interest!

Source: Google Images

iPads include both technology and play, children's two favourite things, while they are learning all at the same time. iPads are an up-to-date tool that were designed to make life more simple and enjoyable. They are able to transform learning by helping students to acquire and integrate knowledge. iPads can be embedded into all learning environments;

Early childhood
Primary school
High school
University studies

Because iPads allow you to search the App Store, your options for what you download are endless. There is an app for everything, to help improve reading, spelling and writing! There are apps that can be adapted for all ages groups and there is an app that can be incorporated into any learning area in the classroom;

English: Story telling, Shakespeare, grammar

Language: Spelling, Reading, Writing

Mathematics: Basic addition, problem solving, algebra

Science: Muscle systems, Star watching, field guides

History: Maps of the world, history documents, historical photographs

Art, Music and Creativity: Sketch books, instrumental learning

Special Education: Visual, hearing and speech aids

PLUS SO MUCH MORE!

Check out this great link for some great apps to embed into your classroom here! There is thousands of apps with endless potential.

Source: Google Images

QR Codes

QR Codes are becoming more and more popular in the classroom. They are basically, "two dimensional bar codes that have been popular in Japan and Europe for several years." theohiobloke Gloster page

They are being used for educational purposes because they are a great way to link information through videos, images, podcasts etc. QR Codes can be used in the classroom environments for activities like quests, worksheet links, posters with links to video or audio files and so much more.