Mobile Technology in the Classroom: Friend or Foe?

Tim Ito and Simon Cable, Oct. 29, 2011

Mobile Technology in the Classroom Friend or Foe

I. Mobile Technology: Things to Keep in Mind

II. Friend or Foe

III. Discussion and Poll: What Do You Think?

IV. Demonstrations: Let’s Make a Movie

V. Conclusion and Resources

Mobile Technology: Things to Keep in Mind

1. It’s a great tool (or a toy) depending on how it’s used

2. The key question: Does it increase engagement / learning?

3. Every situation is unique. Ask yourself: What works for you and your students?

4. Budget Question: School purchase or BYOD?

Friend

It’s a distraction (Phones ring/beep in class)

Phones and tablets are toys that engage but don’t sufficiently advance learning

I’m not a technologist/Not comfortable with technology

I never had to use this before, why start now?

There will be haves and have-nots.

There is potential for abuse For young children, they’re not

age appropriate Others?

OR Foe

• It’s the future• Increases participation• Students carry them

already and know how to use them

• Lessons can be interactive, hands-on and more engaging than even learning on a computer

• Facilitates learning for ELLs and at-risk students

• Saves on cost of computer (depending on the device)

• Allows for BYOD• Who better than teachers to

teach mobile use?• Others?

Discussion and Examples

Polleverywhere.com

Answer

A penny doubled every day for 30 days is: $5,368,709.12

More Demonstrations

A. Researching Apps

B. E-Books and Free Books (iPad)

C. Pages (iPad/iPhone)

D. Dropbox & iMovie

Resources and Conclusion

1. It’s a great tool (or a toy) depending on how it’s used

2. The key question: Does it increase engagement / learning?

3. Every situation is unique. Do your research on devices and apps

4. Budget Question: School purchase or BYOD?

5. Resources Posted on our ASCD EDge group, Mobile Technology in Schools