Team+2


 * Rowan Burk, Megan Eaton, Heidi Hopp**
 * EDL 755**
 * Team 2 Paper: Mobile Learning**
 * Fall 2011**

Prezi Link

When thinking about how technology has evolved in the last fifteen years, it is shocking to know how technology is influencing students as young as first grade. The use of technology within the classroom is remarkable. Many classrooms are equipped with SMART Boards, document cameras, Internet, laptops, Tablets, Kindles, iPods, and even iPads. The increase in the amount of mobile devices does not come as a surprise for many. Today more people are on the go and want to have access to information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The need for flexible scheduling has also become an essential component for daily lives. Paper and pencil tasks have slowly been disappearing from our school environments and students are doing more and more creating, editing, sharing, and publishing online with various mobile devices. While there are several advantages to being a mobile learner, there are some disadvantages that educators and students need to be aware of. As the use of mobile learning grows and changes in K-12 education, concerns grow as well.
 * Introduction **

Why mobile learning? Today's schools are faced with preparing young students for a world that does not yet exist. Much of the curriculum has become "...interdisciplinary, integrated, project-based, and more..." Some of the skills covered are critical thinking, problem solving, accessing information, analyzing information, curiosity, and imagination. The roles of teachers and learners are also changing. The teacher is no longer sharing information and sprinkling it among students. Rather the teacher is becoming the manager, helping students take information and turn that information into useful knowledge. The learner is no longer a mere passive consumer of knowledge. Instead, the learner is constructing his or her own knowledge with freedom and choices (21st Century Schools, 2008). Allowing students to take control of their knowledge instills in the children of today life skills of obtaining and retaining information.

**Definition of a new concept/tool related to Web 2.0** Mobile learning can be defined as a learning environment in which there are devices that can provide access to information through the Internet or the device while students are able to move about (Geddes, 2004). Mobile learning, also referred to as m-learning, can be used with a variety of resources such as; iPods, iPads, tablets, Nooks, laptops, smart phones, and other portable devices. In the society in which we live, mobile devices are everywhere. Many people carry mobile cell phones as well as other devices. Mobile learning tools are able to provide instant information for students at the tips of their fingers. The idea of mobile learning is used every second of the day as citizens access information using devices as stated above. Mobile learning in the classroom allows the same opportunities for instant access to information.

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Mobile learning has been in the spotlight during the last decade or so. However, its roots stem way back to 1968 when Alan Kay's Dynabook was an "attempt to design a computer-mediated mobile learning platform" (Low, 2007). The original idea stemmed from the need for the US Department of Defense to keep documentation on repairs done to tanks. Since keeping track of large amounts of paperwork was difficult to do and not easy to move from one place to another, the US benefited greatly from this invention. Kay's Dynabook was primarily intended for young children to have access to digital media ("Dynabook Wikipedia," 2011). The Dynabook was designed to be interactive, small, and light enough that it could be easily moved and carried from place to place. The machine itself had "book-like qualities in terms of display, yet its interface would be dynamic, with the ability to create, edit, and store visual, textual, and audio content" (Low, 2007). The Dynabook is similar to our modern day laptops. He was advanced in his thinking for his time. The technology available at that time was not able to make his vision become a reality. However, Kay has not given up on his Dynabook idea. In fact, he has taken on a new initiative called "One Laptop per Child," a project that aims to provide children with low-cost, low-power laptops that will allow them to be engaged in their learning. Programs such as "Smalltalk" and "Squeak" can be used to enhance student learning ("Dynabook Wikipedia," 2011).
 * History **

Apple introduced the iPod in 2001. Now there are multiple generations of the iPod, all with new features including iPads and even iPhones. "Since 2001 Apple has introduced fourteen different models of iPods that are able to download and play videos, have different amounts of gigabytes for holding songs, pictures and or videos, with each generation being the next best thing. Three of the most popular iPods have been the iPod, iPod Nano, and iPod Touch. The first generation iPod was introduced with the slogan "1000 songs in your pocket" ("iPod History," n.d.). Apple created this black and white device to enable consumers to listen to the music of their choice. The iPod then evolved into other generations with color screens, video, photo, and other features. The iPod Nano was also a big hit with consumers when it was released in 2005. The Nano was created due to the size of the iPod Classic. Apple wanted to allow consumers the opportunity to take such devices with them in their pocket with no extra bulk. They also created armbands that allowed the Nano to be hands free when walking, running, or doing any other form of exercise. The iPod Touch was then released in 2007, the next best creation. The iPod Touch is essentially a portable device that can be used to access the Internet, play games, listen to music, watch videos and use Apple's applications (iPod History, n.d.). Apple is very aware of consumers and their needs. Each generation and newest version of iPod has been able to make the lives of its consumers more convenient.

The iPhone was later introduced in 2007 allowing consumers the same resources that the iPod had but also allowed the convenience to use it as a mobile calling device. The iPhone has also had a variety of different models and applications. The newest being the 4G iPhone, which allows consumers rapid Internet speed and connection. The iPhone has a square body to eliminate the unwanted weight as well as having the highest pixel count than any other phone on the market today. Since the iPhone is an Apple software, it offers endless applications that can be downloaded for greater consumer ease and convenience ("History of Apple Inc.," n.d.). The iPhone is not done making the world an easier place; it is unveiling the newest iPhone in 2012.

The iPad also made a debut in our society in 2010, and the second-generation iPad was released in March 2011. The iPad is considered a tablet that allows you to do the same functions an iPhone does minus the calling features, however the screen size is twice as big as the iPhone ("History of Apple Inc.," n.d.). The iPad will be a mobile learning device we will see in our schools more and more.

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As educators it is quite often that reflection is done on technology within the classroom. Within the classroom, there are many opportunities where the students are exposed to mobile learning. iPods and iPads are the most common devices used within the classroom. As Ann Jones (2006) states, there are "six reasons why mobile learning might be motivating; control over goals, ownership, fun, communication, learning in-context, and continuity between contexts" (Jones, Issroff, & Scanlon, 2006). Mobile learning can be used to challenge students who do enjoy the control of their learning. The use of devices allows students the freedom to define their learning. However, this may also be seen as a disadvantage for students who will not take their learning seriously. Control and ownership go hand in hand, students take pride in having control of what they are learning when it belongs to themselves. Mobile devices enable students to make the most out of their learning by getting instant information on a topic that they find interesting and intriguing.
 * Advantages and disadvantages **

One of the greatest advantages that mobile learning offers is convenience. Students can work on their devices at their own pace, in their own time, and in their own place. They no longer need to be present sitting in rows or at tables in a class-like setting. Second, students who benefit from a different learning style and enjoy an interactive approach to learning may appreciate mobile learning. Third, students can receive a more personal approach to learning. Lessons and lectures can be designed with each student in mind with a format that best meets his or her learning styles. Students also have choices in the learning process and can choose the route that they feel will be most beneficial for them. Next, interaction between students may increase due to mobile learning. Media allows pictures, text, and images to be exchanged between students and teachers. Additionally, students can also access the experts, and information can be gathered in "real time and sent to a virtual workspace." Students can spend time looking for research and send it to a central place, such as a wiki, and come back to it later ("Mobile Learning & Online Education," n.d.). Finally, mobile learning devices are more environmentally friendly. Due to their smaller size, these devices typically use less energy than traditional computers. Since mobile devices can carry large amounts of information from place to place, "less printing is required" ("Learn mobile uk," 2010). Less printing allows us to become more eco-friendly.

Even though there are several advantages related to being "mobile," there are some disadvantages that students need to be aware of. First, cost is an issue. You need to purchase your mobile device, which can range from $100 to more than $500. Even after that original purchase, the cost continues to be an issue. Due to the fact that technology is continuously being developed, upgrades need to be done frequently, which usually cost additional money. Personalizing mobile devices with various downloads and applications can become costly. Another disadvantage is the size of the mobile devices. Due to their smaller size, it does make them easier to transport; however, its small size can also be a disadvantage. A smaller size can make it easier for them to be lost or stolen. Furthermore, the screen size is often very small, which makes eyes work harder and grow more tired. There is a limited amount of information that can be shown on a small screen size. Using the small buttons and keypads can be a disadvantage. Due to their small size, they can be cumbersome for large fingers to manipulate. Some people choose to purchase an attachable keyboard, but this is an additional cost, and the size is still small. Third, the battery life of many mobile devices is usually only two to four hours. After that time, batteries must be plugged in to be charged, which means you are no longer able to move about and be mobile. Finally, limited storage can be a concern if you have extremely large files (Michael, n.d.).

As society is struggling through these low economic times, cost is a disadvantage to even utilizing them within the classroom just as Corbeil states, "First consider the cost" (Corbeil & Valdes-Corbeil, //2007//). Although there are many grants available, it is hard to obtain the time and energy to apply for them. Not all districts have the means to purchase devices for use within the classroom. In the Winneconne Community School District, a mobile iPod Touch lab was purchased with a grant. This is a wonderful resource that the entire school is able to access; however, it is not easy to obtain and use in your class on a daily basis. It is more of a "lab" time where all the students are using the iPods at one time.
 * Possible issues or concerns with a new concept/tool in K12 Education **

Lewiston Elementary School in Portage has received their few mobile devices through different means. One iPod Touch and iPad were purchased through the district's technology budget. Three additional iPod Touches were received through a TILT II grant and two were purchased by the small PTO. There are certainly not enough for each student, but they can be utilized during small group and individual learning times.

Another concern is staff development with technology integration. According to Pachler, Bachmair, and Cook (2010), studies show that support is needed by teachers to develop not only skills, but also the confidence needed to implement these mobile devices in their classrooms (p. 58). In addition to training sessions and exploration time, many teachers who participated in this study also found it helpful to have time to collaborate with peers and colleagues and to start out slowly and gradually build up to implementing more technological activities (p. 59-60).

As educators, another issue that arises is the social aspect of using mobile devices. As Niall Winter states, "The relationship between the learner, teacher, and parent/caregiver is important" (//2007).// If we are not creating environments that allow students to make face-to-face relationships, they are not learning how to be social. As we look at our society and think about how written communication is changing, many people do not use the correct spelling or grammar when sending email or texting one another. Instead, they are using abbreviations and made up slang as a form of communication. By instilling relationships that are face-to-face and communication skills that are proper, we will be able to instill these two important aspects of human life in our children.

Motivational factors also play an important role in mobile learning. When first engaging with mobile learning devices, many users are highly motivated and engaged. However, over time some of the novelty and newness wears off as newer versions are created and new devices are designed. This constant updating and outdating may become a frustration for some learners (Pachler et al., 2010, p. 66).

In addition, it is hard to predict which mobile device will win out in longevity. Which device will still be around and flourishing five years from now? There is also the possibility that one may become addicted to using the mobile device and are "never disconnected." This can be very unhealthy, as students need time away from their devices to think about what they are learning, to process the information, and to reflect on the material (Ketsdever, 2010).

In 1961 Douglas Engelbart, an early computer pioneer, was quoted saying, “Computer technology is going to blossom so spectacularly, and hit our society so hard, that I am both thrilled and frightened… Imagine what it might be like to have information-handling ‘horsepower’ available for your personal use" (Gifford, 2011, p. 15). Since making this statement just a mere 50 years ago, technology has changed significantly. While it may be difficult, if not impossible to predict the exact number of mobile users in the future, there is evidence to believe that the number will only continue to rise. There are in fact some trends to watch for in the coming years in respect to mobile learning. First, more and more eBooks will be used in classrooms. In California, schools are proposing to replace traditional textbooks with eBooks. Second, more students will be bringing their own technological devices to the classroom and using them as tools for their learning. Next, more and more online learning will be done in collaboration with others. Due to widespread Internet use, blogging, podcasting, and creating multimedia websites are just a few ways to collaborate with others. Fourth, there will be more and more use of tablet learning, such as the iPad and its numerous applications that are available to its users. Many students and teachers alike have noted positive results for using them in their classrooms. Fifth, there will be an increase in managing classes online. Grades can be posted and assignments listed for parents and students to access from mobile devices. Finally, more "snack learning" will be available for students. Since many students seem to benefit from short bits of information and learning time, students can use mobile devices to practice snippets of learning for a short time while they are waiting somewhere, riding in a vehicle, or just sitting at home (Barseghian, 2011). In the future, students (with teacher guidance) will be able to find and use the kinds of tools that fit their learning styles ( Solomon & Schrum, 2010, p. 15).
 * Future direction of a new concept/tool **

Recent research has uncovered another trend that is worth mentioning. E-learning is expected to become "a way of life." This means that e-learning will be offered as a choice on a regular basis to learn content, and many students will choose to take this route in their educational journey. There will be fewer cultural barriers, and teachers and students alike will see e-learning as a choice, not necessarily "special and different" (Carliner, 2009).

Technology is ever changing. "Although we cannot know precisely what the future of mobile learning holds, “the ability to read, comprehend, and to metacognitively analyze and understand our learning processes, will be key factors in our successful development and our ability to function in the 21st century” (Geedes, 2004, p. 9). By looking at the changes that have happened in just a few short years, we can predict that high quality information will be available to any user, anywhere, at any time, on any mobile learning device (Geedes, 2004, p. 9).

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From iPods to iPads, smart phones to Kindles, Nooks to laptops, mobile learning is all around us and is becoming more and more common in K-12 education. While there continues to be some disadvantages in using these devices, there seems to be an abundance of advantages. "It [mobile learning] highlights mobility as an opportunity to improve education by encouraging anytime, anywhere learning, reaching underserved children, promoting collaboration and communication, fitting in with learning environments, and achieving personalized learning" (Solomon & Schrum, 2010, p. 156). We do not know exactly what the future of mobile learning is, but we can be confident in knowing that its use in education will continue to evolve and improve.
 * Conclusion **

21st Century Schools. (2011, November 30). //What is 21st century education?// Retrieved from []
 * References **

Barseghian, T//. 10 Major mobile learning trends to watch for//. Retrieved from []

Carline, S. (2009). //Three future directions of e-learning.// Retrieved from []

Corbeil J. and Valdes-Corbeil, M. E. (2007) Are You Ready for Mobile Learning? //EduCause Quarterly, Volume 30//. Retrieved from []

//Dynabook. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved 2011, November 29,// from [] Geddes, S. J. (2004). //Mobile learning in the 21st century: benefit for learners//. Australia: Knowledge Tree e-journal. Retrieved from knowledgetree.flexible**learning**.net.au/edition06/.../

Geddes.pdf//Gifford, C. (2011). Cool tech: Gadgets, games, robots, and the digital world. New York, NY: DK.////History of Apple Inc//. Retrieved from [|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Apple_Inc.#iOS_evolution:_iPhone_and_iPad]

//History of Ipods// [Video file]. (2009). Retrieved from [] //iPod History//. Retrieved from []

Jones, A., & Issroff, K., and Scenlon, E. (2006) //Affective factors in learning with mobile devices//. Retrieved from []

Learn mobile uk. (2010). Retrieved from [] Michael, J. (n.d.). //The disadvantages of mobile learning//. Retrieved from []

Low, L. (2007, November 30). //Mobile learning: A brief history of learning with mobile computers//. Retrieved from [] //Mobile learning: ilearn// [Video file]. (2008). Retrieved from []

//Mobile learning & online education.// Retrieved from []

//Ketsdever, N. (2010, April 2). Compassion in Politics: Christian social entrepreneurship, educational innovation and base of the pyramid/ BOP solutions.// Retrieved from: []

Pachler, N., Bachmair, B., Cook, J., (2010). //Mobile learning: Structures, agency, practices// (G. Kress, Ed.). Retrieved from []

Soloman G.& Schrum L. (2010). //Web 2.0 how-to for educators.// Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.VOA Learning English. (2010, November 26).

//2 Billion people expected online by end of 2010// [Video file]. Retrieved from [] Winters, N. "What is mobile learning?" //Big issues in mobile learning//.

Ed. M Sharples. Kaleidoscope, 2007. Retrieved from .