Mobile Learning

What’s the need for change ?

There is a need to re-conceptualize learning for the mobile age, to recognize the essential role of mobility and communication in the process of learning, and also to indicate the importance of context in establishing meaning, and the transformative effect of digital networks in supporting virtual communities that transcend barriers of age and culture.

STUDYING IS NO LONGER CONFINED INSIDE THE FOUR WALLS OF THE CLASSROOM

MOTIVATE

ON THE MOVE

BENEFIT

INTERACTION

LIBERATE

ENGAGE

LIFELONG LARNING

ENHANCE

AUGMENTED REALITY

REAL-TIME COLLABORATION

NOMADIC CONNECTION

INTEGRATION

NEW LEARNING

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES

MOBILE DEVICES RAISE STUDENT MOTIVATIONIT IS MUCH EASIER TO COMBINE GAMING AND LEARNING FOR

A MORE EFFECTIVE AND ENTERTAINEMENT EXPERIENCE

LEARNING ON THE MOVE

MOBILE DEVICES MAY ENABLE STUDENTS TO ACCESS INFORMATION FROM ANYWHERE,ANYTIME

BENEFITS

• ACCESSIBILITY:MOBILE LEARNING CONTENT IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE

• CUSTOMIZED CONTENT:LEARNING CONTENT CAN BE

HIGHLY TAILORED TO STUDENT’S NEEDS

• VARIETY:TEACHERS CAN USE MOBILE LEARNING TO BREAK UP THEIR

LESSONS GIVING STUDENTS SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO DO

INTERACTION

MOBILE LEARNING FACILITATES DIRECT COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

LIBERATE

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS OR LEARNING

DISABILITIES

ENGAGE

• QUICK-FIRE KNOWLEDGE ENGAGES STUDENTS

Lifelong learning

Mobile devices support learning from any location throughout a lifetime

Enhance

• Mobile devices:

• Enhance and enrich the teaching and learning of many subjects

• Enhance collaborative learning

• Enhance indipendent learning

AUGMENTED REALITY

THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SURROUNDING REAL WORLD OF THE USER BECOMES INTERACTIVE AND

DIGITALLY MANIPULABLE

REAL TIME COLLABORATION

Sharing the same content with other students

leads instant feedback and tips

Nomadic connection

The nomadic learners access information

anywhere and at anytime.

Integrate

Mobile learning delivers closer integration of language learning with everyday

communications needs and cultural experiences

New learning• Personalised

• Learner-centred

• Situated

• Collaborative

• Ubiquitous

• lifelong

Great opportunities for teachers

only if……….

teachers understand that formal learning can be enriched by the informal one

What should teachers do ?

Begin your training as soon as possible, to be self-confident with tech

•Consider that digital natives take technology for granted, so tech is not motivating in itself

•Consider the objectives behind implementing mobile devices in your teaching

•Consider what skills you will improve and how

•Be careful about what type of learning you want to deliver

•Decide what activities are good for the classroom and what for home

•Use checked, free and filtered apps

•Be sure that students are already familiar with the use of mobile devices

•Provide devices for those who don't have tablets or smartphones or alternatively, organize small group activities

•Teach your students digital citizenship before using any digital tool with them

•Be sure the school has a clear policy

Let’s find our way through mobile learning, considering it as an opportunity, choosing what we consider right for our students among what it has to offer. Let’s get to know it to control it. Let’s make an ally of it, not an enemy

ByANNARITA BARBONE

EFL TEACHER