Within the last five years mobile learning has moved from being a theory, explored by academics, to a real life, valuable contribution to the way society learns. Children between the ages of 8 to 16, are being targeted to use these forms of learning throughout schooling. Throughout this time period young people can either accept that technology will play a part in their lives or they can choose to neglect the idea. However, throughout schools in the UK students are being taught to use the technology as a tool rather than a toy.
In schools such as Hartland Farms Intermediate, students use their own personal handheld computers to record work, rather than a stationary book and pen. Each student has a pocket video which has a software program called “Go Know�? [1] on it that brings the educational experience to the palm of the child’s hand. This program allows students to organise their notes in an understandable format, and have clearer visuals, which leads to a better understanding of how the ideas relate. The purpose of the handhelds [2]is to make learning more efficient and enjoyable, whilst bringing the real world influences to life.
This form of m-learning benefits the young in a variety of ways. Firstly, they are able to keep a record of their work easily, as well as review old work successfully, as it is able to be stored on their own computer. Secondly, students can connect C pens to the handheld to highlight words that they don’t understand, to create vocabulary lists. Using I I Print they can connect the handheld to the printer and print off work. Additionally, a whole website can be flung to your handheld, so that it can be transported with you for further updates. Go Know also offers an information resource channel called Go Lead, that is accessed through the handheld and offers ongoing support to the user. Therefore, these little devices have a range of programs to make education enjoyable.
Teachers believe that these machines enhance teaching and make learning stronger. It also enables teachers to go beyond text book learning and venture into the World Wide Web, as the handhelds motivate the students to learn how to gain Internet access, whilst learning how to word process all at once. Therefore, there is an increased level of learning, as students are constantly focussed and excited about learning.
Anna Massie 09:37, 28 Oct 2005 (EST)
