"My cell phone is my best friend. It's my lifeline to the outside world." Carrie Underwood
Many apps on these devices are easier to work with than non-technology tools. "For instance, you can use the dictionary and thesaurus on Dictionary.com, explore the world with Google Earth, or plot equations with Quick Graph. Download the Kindle app and turn your iPod into an e-reader, create your own stories with Story Kit, and find out about the latest space missions with the NASA app. These, and many others, are free downloads that are ideal for educators to use with their students in school." -Jonathan Wylie
Research has also shown that using mobile devices for teaching has even increased the vocabulary of students from 3-7 years old by 31%. Many students across the world are understanding their school subjects more because of this technology. It is more interactive and that means more learning. New educational apps are coming out every day and every day schools are becoming more and more tech-savvy. We are seeing an increase in grades among many subjects that use technology.
Using mobile devices in the classroom is a very interesting topic that is hard to dodge. Teachers have to keep up with the times. We cannot push away technology forever. It simply builds up and it is not going away, but only growing exponentially. Same goes with online learning and virtual schooling. As much as teachers want to physically be there for students instead of through a computer screen, it is not always possible. But what is possible is to reach more students every day through online learning. It is the ability to get to those who are physically unreachable.
Being a math major striving to become an elementary teacher mobile devices are a fantastic way of learning. Open up the minds of our young students and dazzle them with the world in the palm of their hands! We can use so many different sites and apps for math such as Geogebra (a geometry site for all ages) or Peter Pig's Money Coin Counter (which will help students practice their money anywhere they need to.
Mobile devices as a means for education is an exciting thing. There is so much we can learn from the internet and so many apps that we can benefit from as teachers and students. Who wouldn't want a device that would only help our students learn their content?
Now, all of this have been said, there are some downsides to it. Not everyone has the money to pay for a mobile device for each student, especially foreign countries who don't even know what technology looks like. The other downside is that most apps and such need internet connection and a good WiFi signal. Being outside can be tricky when it comes to getting a good signal. In these instances, there is nothing wrong with reverting back to the good ol' textbook, it just might not be as captivating.