Mobile Technology in 21st Century

 

The author Justine Isard speaks about technology being a big part of our 21^st century lives and we can no longer live without it. Isard points out that, teachers need to embrace the use of mobile technology in the classrooms as the learning experience becomes more ‘real and relevant’. Isard is very clearly pro mobile technologies as the use of statistics were used very early within the article to pull readers in. I must admit that the statistics used were indeed convincing; I was shocked to learn that students with access to smartphones are studying 40mins more than students without. From recent media mind wash, I thought technology was the cause of lazy and unmotivated children. Although, Isard’s one sided article seemed to put some doubt within my mind.

The benefits highlighted within this article appeared to be never ending and it now seems silly not to use mobile technologies within the classroom. One which really stood out to me was “Less teacher centred and more student centred”, this factor is important as students become more driven through their own learning and therefore, curious to learn more. Isard also points out that, teachers will not be over shadowed and the mobile technology is merely there to enhance learning points. Personally I believe that that the school would need some kind of band on certain apps or rules in place, as students could get distracted off topic. Although, students are also then exposed to the wonderful apps available and is seems unnecessary for schools to band all mobile technology.

Mobile technology is popular because of its shear transportable feature and therefore, fits into our fast moving and wants now society. This means students can have access to their learning at all times and importantly parents are able to easily keep track. Students being allowed access frequently at home, normally means the issue of cyber bullying or internet predators come into play. Isard makes a great point by saying, “We want young people to have digital literact skills, be safe and responsible online”. The use of mobile technology should be seen as a positive future for classrooms and as long as it is controlled, students I think will benefit a huge amount.

Link to article:
https://learnit.nd.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-44797-dt-content-rid-46464_1/courses/F-ED2632-13ST/Mobile_learning_summer_school.pdf