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
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2 comments:
Hi Stuart,
I still like to entertain the idea that we will soon have the ultimate hand held device. Something like the Swiss Army Knife would be fantastic! So many of the ones you have mentioned are excellent tools but just not completely independent like you have said. With so many products on the market, some people would have undoubtably found their holy grail of mobile devices. I am yet to do so and have not settled on one single device. Certainly not yet sold on the concept of a man bag!
It has been interesting reading about the numerous applications these devices have in a educational context. I am excited for the prospects of future hand held devices, but I can live my 3 year old mobile phone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz1-cPx0cIk
better and better and better
Good luck with the rest of the course,
Brent.
Hi Stue
I guess in the next 10 to 20 years everything will be on the one device, for example, tv, phone, email, hard disk, etc.
Sian
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