mobile devices are taking over

Everything is going mobile. I'm going to have to get a man bag soon to fit in all the technology I am supposed have. Unfortunately it doesn't all fit into my cargo pants with 10 plus pockets and zips anymore. I mean how can I get the palm, mobile, ipod, mini laptop, portable DVD player, USB stick, portable USB hard drive, portable speakers, bluetooth enabled hands free ear piece, portable wireless modem, GPS, .....

If you can't shrink and connect then it is old technology, seems to be the future of technology at the moment. Don't believe me? just tune into the biggest IT announcement of each year when Steve Jobs steps onto the stage and introduces Macs latest.....(drum roll) miniature portable device. Or look at the growth or web software applications (wikipedia table). Maybe this is a plot by short tech geeks to make the world reflect themselves!

The world is going mobile and flexible. And I think this is good news (mostly). Project like the OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) are all about empowering people. And this obsession with being constantly connected can be wonderful if it improves your lifestyle rather than always tying you to work. I, as a teacher, love it. I can go off on holidays and not have to see the classroom as I can prepare my work anywhere at anytime.

Besides my self reasons, it is great to see this obsession have important social ramifications. As I previously mentioned the OLPC project is all about breaking down the information technology divide that exists in the world. Those who have this incredible access to the internet and those who don't. My uni readings this week have been all about mobile devices. The first by J McKenzie questions the laptop 1-1 programs that many schools have jumped to do. He helpfully points out the need to have unbiased data from these programs and manages to find one satisfactory survey. The results aren't encouraging but McKenzie doesn't dismiss the whole idea rather he promotes caution and other options. Personally I have seen laptop trolleys with enough laptops work well in a school, particularly those short on space, but most of the 1-1 programs are in their infancy and it is hard to know what the long term issues will be. Perhaps his most poignant point is in reference to the staff attitudes and aptitudes.

Another reading , What can you learn from a mobile? by Marc Prensky in this field of hand held devices has staggering statistics in regards to mobile devices owned by students. When considering the power of these devices it is amazing that such incredible resources are not utilized by educational institutions. Although I have heard of institutions using mobile devices to share important messages quickly, the scope for marking, grade feedback, absentee information, web software through internet browsers make mobile devices not only mini desktops in your pocket but instant ways to communicate and journal through in built cameras and internet connections and mobile software. Suddenly those thesis trips camping around France recording first hand information are viable. While the software is good it still needs to catch up to make mobile devices fully independent.

Vote in my handheld poll on the right

oldies vs newies

Let's take a brief respite from all the new technology 'out there' at the moment and consider some of those classic 'oldies' that have stood the test of time. Let me explain why I am suggesting this.......

My computer course has given me the opportunity to investigate and experience many fantastic IT resources. The 'Wow' factor behind some of these resources often distracts me initially from really appraising these tools. While it is great to know some of the great IT resources and interactive tools available you still need to have the learning outcomes/concepts/ideas at the forefront of your mind when examining these products/tools. 'What is the best way for the students engage in a topic? should guide what range of resources and tools we use to teach with.

Whilst in a toy shop recently with my two boys, I noticed a set of trumps cards (sport cars). It was a flash back moment and a bought a pack for my youngest son. Since then he has rarely put them down challenging anyone who gives him eye contact. When I played it with him I noticed how quickly he grasped place value including decimal notation. He correctly names numbers, orders and compares them and relates these values to a real world context. Not bad for a 6 year old and why? because he is motivated to understand it. He wants to play and win! Imagine creating a set of trumps cards with your class after studying the solar system, what a great way to assess knowledge or reinforce facts etc.

So my question is what old games do you know of the are used in classrooms? Or can you think of an old resource/technology that could be incorporated into a learning situation? Anyone for boggle during a spelling session?