Mobiles
According to a recent report from mobile manufacturer Ericsson, studies show that by 2015, 80% of people accessing the Internet will be doing so from mobile devices. Perhaps more important for education, Internet capable mobile devices will outnumber computers within the next year. In Japan, over 75% of Internet users already use a mobile as their first choice for access. This shift in the means of connecting to the Internet is being enabled by the convergence of three trends: the growing number of Internet-capable mobile devices, increasingly flexible web content, and continued development of the networks that support connectivity.
Source: 2011 Horizon Report
Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
Karen Jones 4:23 pm on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Given these days of budgetary restrain that plague many school boards, I believe that exploiting the proliferation of student-owned mobile devices could reduce the pressure of providing and servicing school-owned computer hardware and software.
David William Price 7:50 am on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I am way behind on mobiles but I took my iPad downtown the other day and when we needed to know what to do when plans didn’t work out, our connection to the Internet and location services saved the day. I think this is a great avenue for providing just-in-time information for problem solving. I would love to see a situation with far more real-world problem-solving and relying on connectivity to get the data required to do it.
verenanz 8:57 pm on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I am hoping to pilot an Apps for Android use – based on ESL conversations. It might not happen though as the developer is trying to get funding….It was all based on an App that had the user having a conversation with Santa, by texting answers on their phone…
themusicwoman 9:45 am on September 10, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Four years ago, I used my cell phone for emergency purposes only. I used to get chastised for never having my cell on. Now, I text, email, chat, talk, prepare lesson plans, connect online for MET courses, order school supplies, shop, make reminder notes, and if I really wanted to, turn on the lights at home even though I’m not there. And I’m in agreement with Karen that there would be less of a burden on schools to provide up to date and serviceable hardware/software. (Don’t get me started on district IT, sigh.)
andrea 12:02 pm on September 10, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Mobile learning has the potential to provide anywhere, anytime learning and support for almost every topic – it can be a guide or text in your pocket that has huge opportunities for just-in-time learning.
mcquaid 8:53 am on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Whether it be a tablet or a mobile / smart phone, technology that is multipurpose (or condensed, in a sense) may do more for students (dictionary, internet, apps, etc.) at less cost to a school – especially if students use their own or rent / pay for the use of school-issued ones, similar to instruments in a band program.
Deb Kim 7:41 pm on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
It’s more convenient to use a mobile phone than a computer or laptop. Easy to carry around and to have access. I agree with my coursemates that mobile technology will do more for students.
hall 8:37 pm on September 12, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Over last three years I have noticed more students at my institutions using phones that have internet access. The students sometimes used their phones to access the internet or carry out computations. Hence, I think mobile will be a useful medium for online learning. Students complete assignments while waiting at bus stop or in lines or during travelling. It is very convenient.