Again, I work in a nontraditional educational environment
primarily with adults. The subject of mobile learning has really just emerged
in our discussions; we haven’t fully figured out how to effectively use
computers yet! It’s exciting that
so many apps are available to use and exciting that we have the option of using
them on handhelds. In addition,
Tony Vincent’s ideas were helpful, both from a technology and project-based
learning perspective. Moreover,
the video serves as a great reference to go back to in the future to consider
new ways to incorporate technology.
In terms of my work, I would probably not use a project
based learning lesson. My classes
typically don’t include any type of project. In addition, my class participants don’t all have access to
handhelds; a few have Smart phones, and iPads and iPods are also limited. Some don’t have computers. However, I could
use the video’s ideas for myself as an alternative to other delivery methods or
to enhance learning. For example,
I teach a six week financial education class that requires participants to
complete a “money in money out” sheet each week, keeping track of income and
expenses over the six week period.
The final class requirement is completion of a spending/savings plan for
a month that incorporates “data” gathered from keeping track of spending
habits. Typically there are class
participants who struggle with understanding how to complete both the “MIMO’s”
and the spending plans. Based on what I learned here, I could develop a video
that details the process of filling out the forms and post it online. Those participants with access could
watch it between classes to review the form and hopefully get answers to their
questions.
My overall reaction to the videos is an increased awareness
of the broad range of teaching and learning opportunities presented by
technology. The variety of
apps/tools is both awesome and challenging, even overwhelming. The videos give me ideas to start
exploring.
Great post. I think about this "issue" of teaching, technology and connectedness a fair amount.
ReplyDeleteMuch of education is preparing students for real world activities and situations. So what if......some people do not and will not be connected for the foreseeable future? Our school has a huge population of "free and reduced," meaning most families live at the level of poverty.
Truth, there are students who do not have access. Yes, conceivably everyone in our school has access at some point during the day......but is this only an artifice that in reality will have little to no bearing on their life or success.
I have trouble seeing how that is possible in todays world and admire to a degree their ability to live that simply.
Keep doing your good work.