In many of my posts and comments I take a decidedly low-tech\/no-tech approach to mobile technology and learning — I think the social component of mobile is more germane to its impact on teaching and learning — but sometimes more technology really is the answer. If this can come cheaply, easily and accessibly, and can make genuine contributions to the learning environment then I’m all in. And if it’s free, DIY, student-centred, open source, or requires only some creative thinking, that’s a bonus.<\/p>\n
I’m currently fascinated with smartphone hacks. Not the familiar (and often malicious) software\/privacy hacks, but ways of making a smartphone into something else. Ignoring telephony for a moment, they’re basically small computers with high resolution screens, powerful graphics processors, one or more cameras, a microphone, wireless connectivity, and in most cases an accelerometer, GPS functionality, gyroscope, and a compass. When most learners, even in developing areas, have access to such a collection of interconnected technologies then it’s possible to design and develop aftermarket “add-ons” or modifications to leverage smartphone technologies into a different tool altogether.<\/p>\n
Below is just a tiny sample of things to add<\/i> to, do<\/i> to or do with<\/i> a smartphone. The possibilities, particularly for primary and secondary education, seem unlimited.<\/p>\n
Google Cardboard<\/b> Turn your Smartphone into a Microscope<\/b> Or, if you don’t mind spending a few dollars: Use Your Cell Phone as a Thermal Camera<\/b> Science with a Smartphone: Accelerometer<\/b> In many of my posts and comments I take a decidedly low-tech\/no-tech approach to mobile technology and learning — I think the social component of…<\/p>\n
\nPerhaps the granddaddy of smartphone hacks, these cardboard Virtual Reality goggles permit anyone with a few bucks, or some cardboard and a few other common items, to explore the immersive world of VR without breaking the bank.
\nhttps:\/\/arvr.google.com\/cardboard\/get-cardboard\/#build-it<\/a><\/p>\n
\nIt’s already got a pretty decent camera. A bit of scavenged optics can open up new tiny worlds. Not only can users see small things, they can snap a photo and share them. Who can find the weirdest looking critter in a vial of pond water?
\nhttps:\/\/www.instructables.com\/DIY-Microscope-Using-Smartphone\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\nhttps:\/\/www.theverge.com\/circuitbreaker\/2016\/5\/20\/11719450\/blips-smartphone-microscope-attachment<\/a><\/p>\n
\nTake your pet’s heat fingerprint. Check to see where your windows are losing heat. Find out who in your class is running a fever (OK, just kidding; don’t really do that). Not cheap, but totally cool.
\nhttps:\/\/www.thermal.com\/compact-series.html<\/a><\/p>\n
\nFinally, if you don’t care to build anything or buy anything, this article demonstrates that there are still learning moments to be had just exploring some of the gadgetry already built into your phone.
\nhttps:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/science-with-a-smartphone-accelerometer\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"