Mobile devices are currently particularly popular with my middle school students. For over a year now, I have tinkered with the idea of having my students using mobile learning technologies to complete assignments for French. My main concern regarding the use of mobile devices is regarding what they afford to the learner experience. In particular, I have considered give students various French homework assignments that they need to text to me via their or their parents’ cell phone. The following questions guide my thought process on this learning activity.
What is the rationale for implementing mobile learning technologies?
Related to cell phones, the main reason to implement their use is to bolster student interest. My students are avid text messengers, so my thought is that they would greatly like an assignment that actually requires them to text. I would contend that an assignment involving texting would motivate them to complete other assignments in the future.
How does ubiquitous access to a wireless network change the dynamics of learning both in and out of the classroom?
Cell phones are currently banned during school hours, so the assignments would need to be completed after school hours unless I have the principal’s permission. Many of my students have cell phones or their parents have cell phones, however I would need to ensure that all students could successfully complete these activities if they don’t have cell phones by developing an alternative assignment.
What are best practices for using mobile learning?
Cell phones are normally thought of as a communication device and not as an educational tool. Students would need to be instructed regarding appropriate cell phone behaviors if they were going to be used inside or outside of class. The issue of student privacy may also be a concern because I would have their cell phone numbers as a result of the activity, so certain students and parents may request an alternative learning assignment.
What end-user support is important for mobile learning? How can it best be provided?
I’m not sure what support is available other than the support offered by the actual cell phone companies. I could create a PowerPoint on how to text and also provide students with information on how to type accent marks for French text messaging.
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