You cannot deny the fact that accepting and adapting to new changes is a slow and difficult process. And when we face something as powerful and life-changing as the technological advancements of 21st century, getting intimidated can be said to be a mere understatement! But definitely, technology, if used effectively, makes the work of teachers easier while creating an environment that excites and engages students as well.
With the growing prominence and availability of mobile phones all over the world, it is only logical to make an effort to integrate use of mobile phones
in classroom teaching. And this is one of the reasons that initiatives like BYOD
, are spreading across the globe.
Thanks to Monica Burns
, here are some tips and strategies which should be kept in mind for introducing effective mobile learning in your classrooms:
Create a system
No matter what device you use, have a system. Ensure that all the mobiles in your classroom are labeled with a student name and number. Inculcate in students the habit to place the device in numerical order when they return them. Students need to know that they are accountable for the well-being of their device and that its wear and tear can be traced back to them.
Be clear on how the mobile phone will be used
There is a possibility that students will explore their device in ways you might not anticipate. Thus, you should be clear in your commands. Be explicit about your expectations, and don’t make assumptions. For instance, you might ask students to refrain from changing the look of a screen so that apps and icons stay in the same place.
Start small
Choose two or three apps or programs to tackle at first. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of choices, create a short list of “everyday applications. Determine which students are your experts (or could easily become experts), and have them be the first to try out an app. That way, when you introduce this new app to the class, you’ll have three or four students who can help troubleshoot or answer quick questions for members of their group.
Substitute some regular activities
Instead of trying something completely out of the ordinary from the get-go, replace one of your usual activities with technology. For example, have students type on virtual sticky notes instead of writing on paper ones. Accept assignment submissions on e-mail once in a while. That would save paper too. Explore an atlas app instead of flipping through a textbook
Mobile learning in classrooms cannot be a one day process. It is only through simple activities that you will build your confidence as well as your student’s with using one-to-one mobile technology in your classroom.
Do share your ways of using mobile technology in the classroom.
