Journal 9

Envisioning the Future of Education-Learning While Mobile
By Mark van’t Hooft

Mobile learning has been a part of education for about a decade, and can be described as learning with a mobile device such as a handheld computer or mobile phone. Mobile learning takes into consideration not only the mobility of the technology and the learner, but also the interactions between them and emphasizes learning as a social process.
Two important aspects of learning while mobile are conversation and context. Conversation is not just the exchange of knowledge, but also how learners are networked with peers, teachers, and digital tools in order to access learning. Conversation includes the importance of developing higher-order thinking skills and inquiry-based learning. The context of learning is never static because learners move from one location to another, acquire new knowledge and enter new conversations. Learning while mobile can provide a bridge between schools and society, and between formal and informal learning.
Learning while mobile can bring challenges to both teachers and learners. One challenge described by the author is the Participation Gap. Students may be adept at using digital technologies for entertainment, but the demands placed on them when using the same technologies for learning can be very different. A second challenge is the Transparency Problem. Media can be used in society as aggressive and biased methods of advertising, news coverage and distribution of information which can shape a learner’s perception of the world. A third challenge is in Ethics where there is a breakdown of traditional forms of professional training and socialization to prepare learners for future public roles. A final challenge is the Fear Factor. Parents’ fear of the unknown as related to technology and how children use technology can have negative side effects.
Learning while mobile means that more and different types of learning are happening outside the classroom than in it. Learning is becoming more personal, networked, portable and durable.

QUESTION 1
What is an example of mobile learning as it is used in a classroom?
One example used in the article is Frequency 1550. This project takes learners out of the classroom as they take on the role of pilgrims in medieval Amsterdam in the year 1550. Teams compete to find a special relic using GPS cell phones to download clues and complete location-based media assignments.

QUESTION 2
What are some recommendations for schools using mobile learning technology?
Schools need to spend more time not only teaching students how to become more literate and think critically, but also teach new skills that come with increased collaboration and networking when using mobile tools. Students need to be taught how to interact with technology and navigate information across various media formats.