Learners are demanding more of the technology they use not just in raw processing power but the ability to freely access information whenever and wherever they feel the need.
This is not to say that hand held device’s will replace conventional laptop or desktop computer’s in anyway but instead compliment them by allowing learners access to information and creation tools when away from these existing technologies.
The combination of instant on, information anywhere and simple to use creation tools means handheld learning can happen anywhere: The classroom, the dining room table or out on a field trip. The important part is not the portability but the ability for the learner to connect, communicate, collaborate, and create using tools that are readily at hand and intuitive to them.
You might be thinking by this point, great but how would this fit into my classroom or teaching style? Well here are some examples that I have personally witnessed:
- A child can take notes using a basic text editor app on their mobile phone or tablet device whilst on a field trip for later use in creating a presentation back at school.
- A student is struggling to understand a science concept and so searches online to find a video clip or podcast that further explains it through visual media.
- Student’s create a set of flash cards or revision note’s in the style of a presentation that they can then email home to view on their own hand held devices or computer.
- Student’s film video using their mobile phone’s or other camera equipped device and edit it directly on the device or transfer it to a computer for editing. The resulting video is uploaded to the VLE for peer review and their class mates to learn from.
- During a geography lesson a child want’s to understand more about costal erosion and so uses the instant internet access they have to go online and find articles, video clips and podcasts about it. They also use the built in map’s app to view these affected area’s on satellite imagery.
Making the decision as to how handheld learning fit’s into you’re establishment is a difficult task but AT Computer’s can offer consultancy, setup, training and a full custom solution to any project.
So why not give our education team a call on 01684 291112 for a free discussion about your needs.
