Review - 3

Educational Technology Mobile App :

    1.      http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/1542/2635

Example of a mobile app

“The whole world is going mobile.” Mobile technologies are a familiar part of the lives of most teachers and students in today’s life. We use it for communication mainly to talk to other people at any time, from wherever we may be either by calling or through texting. Newer developments in mobile phone technology are also beginning to offer the potential for rich multimedia experiences and for location-specific resources. The challenge for educators, however, is one of understanding and exploring how best we might use these resources to support learning and teaching. The research that has been done on the use of mobile apps like these has been very promising. Mobile learning through apps can happen anywhere like in a classroom, at the dining room table, on a bus, in front of a science exhibit,  and  anywhere.

One of the main advantage of ETMA is that the  devices used are more lightweight than books and PCs. Learning through ETMA can be used to diversify the types of learning activities. Students can easily download videos or notes using mobile app. Mobile learning can be used as a hook‘ to re-engage disaffected youth. It is  relatively inexpensive, as the cost of mobile devices are significantly less than PCs and laptops. It has Multimedia content delivery and creation options to send or share to other Mobile. It is potentially a more rewarding learning experience.  Using the communication features of a mobile phone as part of a larger learning activity, e.g.: sending  media or texts into a central portfolio, or exporting audio files from a learning platform to your phone.

The general asps like camera, Messaging, Memo can be used for group discussions via text messaging AND they are useful for photography-based projects as well.  Students can also record themselves reading stories aloud for writers’ workshops or practicing speeches. Using E-BOOK RE ADERS their fundamental function is helpful  for reading books and storing entire libraries. They also provide easy access to dictionaries. Many students also use their e-book readers as a replacement for the daily paper, since they can read various editions and magazines on it. The next app, mp3 and portable media players  is useful for free lectures and short videos which are available for downloading via the iTunes U app, or on the Internet at sites such as Brainpop.com, which has animated educational videos. Students and Teachers can use video recording to hoot and to post to a website. There are various other ETMA  available

The main limitations lies there where not everyone cannot afford a smartphone and also it gets hard to study from such a small screen. Again ETMA doesn’t provide a practical experience to students. The concern is that the mobile devices in the classroom is a distraction from schoolwork. Also, it’s easier to cheat during exams. But it does shadow the good effects.so I would just rate 2 out of 5.this is cause it might be very useful in searching and easy access but never in a n examination point of view.

            Thus we have seen the educational value of mobile app and the possibility and practicality of teaching/learning mobile app, which should further encourage educators to explore and experiment on the potential of incorporating these learning activities in their diverse settings.

The good: It helps in creating a new a virtual and easy way to study.  

The bad: Not every one can afford tablets or smartphones.

The bottom line:  The main aim of mobile apps is to provide as easy solution to education by providing eBook’s and apps that will help in easy learning. 

Rating : 2/5 (Poor)

                                                                 

Reference :

‪Miller. C, Doering. A (2014). ‪ The New Landscape of Mobile Learning. USA : Routledge