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How do you use mobile devices in the classroom Tips, apps, best practices
How do you use mobile devices in the classroom? Tips, apps & best practices
Introduction
This was the initial question for the evening's discussion, although there was some debate about the definition of mobile devices. Some people suggested digital cameras, laptops, tablets – there are also dictophones and digital video cameras. This definition question was never really concluded but the focus eventually headed towards mobile phones and smartphones. I think there was some overlap with the recent topic 'How do we cater for the needs of our learners in a digital age?'
Uses of mobile phones for the classroom eventually became the main focus, although I felt that the chat roamed around a number of areas, including the possibilities for use, teachers' feelings, issues and potential problems and useful apps. As a result, I'm going to attack the summary from four different angles and then I'll present a list of useful links that were shared during the chat.
I would like to point out that I was asked, ever so politely, to do this summary because of my summarising tweet...
...and I think it's really important that these things are kept in mind whenever choosing technologies to use. To be honest I was surprised to be asked due to my obvious skepticism and critical stance during the chat. But, hey, I think the technovangelists need to keep at least some toes clinging to terra firma! ; ) Having done this summary and had some chance to reflect, I really can see some great potential for some of the apps and tools mentioned, but I do have some of the issues being a problem when I consider the contexts in which I have experience.
[Critical Ed. btw I think it's worth pointing out that a few pro-technology participants do not actually seem to have any connection to ELT, but have some investment in technology.]
Summary
1) Why bother?
2) What can be done?
3) What could possibly go wrong?
4) What can be done to overcome issues?
1) Why bother?
@Shaunwilden : How do we feel about using them? I'd say why not we use them in life, well I do all the time
@ShellTerrell : Mobile phones allow students to carry the learning in their pocket & study when convenient, 5 min on bus, while in line, etc
@ShellTerrell : I believe it's portable, involves learning anywhere anytime, & involves the learning taking charge of the content
• In some places most people have a smartphone and use it regularly • In some places more people have smartphones than computers • In some places it seems that every adult and every child has a smartphone • There is a lot of potential for extra practice with a one to one student • Using this technology could be motivating • Many students try to use them in class anyway, why not allow it? • Students could be more autonomous if guided to use mobile technology • Smartphones can do loads of clever multi-media things
2) What can we do?
@ShellTerrell : Best ways to use mobile phones for language learning involves audio/image/video recording, & sms features common to most phones now
• Use dictionary apps, such as SnaPanda for Android • Phones can be used to take photos or video for a scavenger hunt activity • Take photos of the whiteboard • Text students information (or receive it from them) about class or news about practical stuff like lesson cancellations or room changes • Get ss to take photos of stuff for hwk, bring to class, show them to a partner and chat about them • Create QR codes of things you want students to find on scavenging using mobile devices • Use mobile phone to record/ video the ss speaking and they can listen to themselves • Use of the audio or video recording devices could overcome a school's lack of resources • Adult learners could use language podcasts, record themselves, create videos, use search functions & dictionaries • Students can watch videos, perhaps from youtube • Use these apps with young learners - StoryRobe, StoryKit, Talking Tom, Mouthoff, Pubppet Pals, Sticki booth, Fotobabble, Animoto, Audioboo, Woices, 43 Things – see links below • Use fotobabble to take a picture and record audio talking about it • Students can share music with the teacher to be played in class • The technology can be used anywhere, so leave the classroom and go somewhere else! • Use Newsy app & Video Vocab apps for Business English
3) So what's the catch?
@efl101 : problem is not all sts have smart phones so fairness/equal access issues arise
• Some schools have banned them – in some countries phones in school are a big NO! • In some countries smartphones are not used by most students • If some students have them and others don't there could be issues causing negative feelings or behaviour • Smartphones can sometimes be a distraction as much as a learning aid • Students could use them to cheat in tests • There could be problems with ss feeling inadequate for not having the 'right' phone • Ss could start thinking they can use the phone all the time, not just when you want them to • Not so good for exam classes – ss can't use them in exams and shouldn't rely on them • Kids could start begging their parents for a phone when the parents can't afford one or don't feel that it's appropriate • It might take time for some students to learn how to use their phone in different ways • The teacher may have to teach how to use an app • Sometimes it's a problem getting students off the phone, no need to encourage them! • Do the phones have roaming internet access or would access to school wifi be needed? • What about the financial cost to the students of internet access and SMS? • Teachers don't know what to do with mobile phones • Many teachers don't even use much technology • Is it ok for teachers to expect student to be connected to learning all the time? • Training opportunities for teachers may never arrive • Can teachers actually afford to own good quality mobile phones? • Many teachers don't even use computers very much, let alone smartphones
4) Responses to issues
• If parents have issues, invite them into school and do a show and tell to explain the benefits • If not all students have one, get them to share or work in groups • Students sharing devices could help YLs develop better collaborative skills • Using a contract phone should mean there is no cost to the learners and apparently 'mini top-ups [are] now given away with soda cans' • Teacher training courses – there's one online soon, see links • Don't wait for training, just dive on in and try it out • Huddle round phones in groups if necessary
Some different viewpoints
@ShellTerrell : Also mobile learning allows the learner to apply the language & vocabulary in a contextual setting & with others. Authentic!
@familysimpson : @efl101 how do your students learn? Individually or by discussing in a group? Mobile opens up discussion to all - confidence booster
@japglish : @rliberni I'm afraid I think m-learning is being overhyped
@rliberni: key to efficacy or not of mlearning is whether or not they are learning - having fun is good but learning must also take place
@AnthonyGaughan...reluctance to use private resource for work.. which schools provide mobile devices for staff?
@rliberni : mine prefer time away from their laptop - 'an oasis of calm' one std called his English lesson
Ok, there you go. I hope I've managed to cover everything satisfactorily and give a balanced review of the chat transcript. Thanks to all participants for another really interesting #eltchat!
A little comedy to finish off
How do you use mobile devices in the classroom Tips, apps, best practices
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