Portable Devices has enhance Learning
- What are Portable Devices?
Learning can be challenging in this
fast pass 21st century rush. Teachers can do so much an d no more in the
classroom. With the increase in technology I wonder if we teachers found a
creative way to incorporate the devices our children use every day if it would
help with their learning. I definitely
think it would. Let’s look at some of the portable devices that can be used to
do so.
Firstly, what are portable devices?
Firstly, what are portable devices?
According to Techopedia “A portable device is any
device that can easily be carried. It is a small form factor of a computing
device that is designed to be held and used in the hands. Portable devices are
becoming an increasingly important part of personal computing as the
capabilities of devices like laptops, tablets and smartphones continue to
improve.” (Portable Devices , 2020)
Let’s now explore a few of these devices that can be
beneficial to our students.
1. Laptop
Parents and educators
are always looking for new learning tools to help students reach their academic
potential, and a recent study suggests that a basic laptop could be just such a
tool.
Many educators who have been using laptops in the classroom
have already discovered the advantages of this versatile tool. Paul Mulder,
Allendale Public Schools technology director, uses laptops in the Allendale
school district to facilitate a flipped
classroom model in which students watch teacher lectures at
home on their computers and then discuss what they’ve learned with their
teachers and peers during class time. “We see teachers able to personalize
instruction more,” he told Michigan
Radio. “We see them able to give students
options to go deeper and improve their learning.” (Street, 2017)
A laptop also makes after
school research much easier if a library is not presently accessible.
For the completion of group-work outside of class, programs like Microsoft
Outlook have the ability to schedule meetings and the option to share this
information with other group members to facilitate ease of movement is quite
handy. (Bruff, 2002)
Tablets
NO! I’m not talking about pills. I’m referring to the computer
touch-screen device that everyone has one of these days. Thin and sleek are definitely in the
description of this one and it’s smaller than a laptop but bigger than your phone. E-books can
be used on the tablet. Educational games and apps for every subject are
available. Students can use tablets to coordinate colours in Art class and
share drawings in real time for discussion and critique with teachers and
classmates, look at three-dimensional organs in Science class and bring to life
in real time presentations, making learning both efficient because students are
discovering information themselves and fun because they are engaged with a
technology they like to use (DeNeen, 2012) . E-books are
specifically designed for use on tablets, so it makes sense to allow students
to use their tablets for reading in the classroom. Additionally, tablets have
speakers, which allow for easy listening to audiobooks or text-to-speech
e-books. (Lynch, 2018) There you have it
Tablets are very useful in enhancing learning.
Smart Phones
In addition to
helping you communicate, smartphones can also be very useful tools in
continuing your education. They may even offer opportunities to learn in ways
you may not expect. Since chances are, you probably almost always have your
phone with you, you'll have an opportunity to learn no matter where you are. Do you have a difficult time keeping
track of your notes and fully paying attention to the professor at the same
time during class? This is where your smartphone's recording functionality can
come in handy. Using your smartphone, you can record the lecture or discussion
for you to listen to later if needed. By having it recorded, you can be sure
you don't miss any details. Be sure to ask the professor before your class if
it's okay to record the class discussions (Walburg, 2018)
Young people expect always-on access
to the information they need. Mobile learning can deliver the kind of content
they can engage with ¾ wherever and whenever ¾ in a way
that suits them. Portable smart devices can be used in the classroom as well as
at home. They are interactive so content can be developed in stimulating
formats, utilizing navigation and techniques familiar from digital platforms,
including social media.
What’s more, mobile apps can help students keep track of their studies through
automated updates and the means to check on assignments and their own progress. (Gowans, 2017)
These are just three devices that we
have looked on today. I hope this was helpful. Until next time Good bye.
References
Bruff, D. (2002). From the Students's View: Laptop
In (and Outside ) the Classroom. Retrieved from Vanderbilt University:
https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/articles-and-essays/the-teaching-forum/from-the-students-view-laptops-in-and-outside-the-classroom/
DeNeen, J. (2012, December 13). iPads In The
Classroom: 25 Ways To Use Tablets To EnhanceThe Learning Experience.
Retrieved from informED:
http://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/25-ways-to-use-tablets-to-enhance-the-learning-experience/
Gowans, E. (2017, July 25). How moblie technology
can benefit learning . Retrieved from ET: https://edtechnology.co.uk/Blog/how-mobile-technology-can-benefit-learning/
Lynch, M. (2018, March 2018). 15 Way to use a
tablet in the classroom . Retrieved from Early Childhood :
https://www.thetechedvocate.org/15-ways-to-use-a-tablet-in-the-classroom/
Portable Devices . (2020). Retrieved from Technopedia :
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/23673/portable-device
Street, E. (2017, January 24). How laptops in the
Classroom Improve Student Learning . Retrieved from Learning lift off:
https://www.learningliftoff.com/how-laptops-in-the-classroom-improve-student-learning/
Walburg, E. (2018, August 14). Ten Ways your
Smartphone Can Help You Learn. Retrieved from Conerstone University:
https://www.cornerstone.edu/blogs/lifelong-learning-matters/post/ten-ways-your-smartphone-can-help-you-learn