The article “Examining Mobile Technology in Higher
Education: Handheld Devices in and out of the Classroom” addresses the uses of
blackberry devises being used for education. This article includes the findings
of a study done with graduate students and the use of blackberry devices. Mobile devices are very popular and are
becoming incorporated into education. Most students have knowledge of the current technology and often now what is coming before the instructors. “Given the popularity, affordability,
portability and flexibility of such devices [cell phones, smart phones and
other personal digital assistant devices (PDAs] it is not surprising that
educators have considered harnessing these devices within and beyond the
classroom.” These devices can be used almost everywhere at any time. The article
talks about how this can be beneficial to those who choose to use it. Mueller,
Wood and de Pasquale show that, Overall, mobile technology has enormous
potential to be used as a cognitive tool to support further learning however,
the potential benefits are closely connected to how it is actually used and the
type of learning and activity it supports. These devices supported online
communication, a learning management system and social networking.
I love the use of mobile technology in online learning.
Ashford has an Application for the IPad and IPhone that will allow students
into their course. They can view resources and open them, they can post in
discussions, ask questions, send emails and more. It is at times more convenient
for me to have the tablet and be reading than to be sitting in front of the
computer for hours.
Here is a link of features for the Ashford App
Resources:
Mueller, Julie; Wood, Eileen & De Pasquale, Domenica
(2012) Examining Mobile Technology in Higher Education: Handheld Devices In and
Out of the Classroom, Retrieved from ERIC Database
