MOBILE LEARNING DEVICES AND OPERATING SYSTEMS

Learning outcomes

Understand the basic types of operating systems.
Create a strategy for integrating mobile devices.

Overview

First, I want to briefly explain a few important concepts tied to mobile learning. Any sophisticated technology like a computer, tablet (such as an iPad), or smartphone has a special type of software that allows a person to interact with or operate the device. You guessed it, this software is called the operating system, or OS for short. You are already familiar with several OSs even if you don't realize it. Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 are all OSs, or different versions of the Windows OS. There are different versions of the Mac OS too, such as Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Lion. When we talk about mobile devices, we are talking about tablets, smartphones, and similar devices. These devices can be categorized by the OS they use.

OPERATING SYSTEMS

iOS

Most mobile devices use one of 2 different OSs. All of Apple's mobile devices, which include all the iPads, iPhones, and the iPod Touch, run a version of an operating system called iOS, which is called a "closed" OS because Apple won't let any other company use it. One way to think of it is "the possibility of companies besides Apple using iOS is closed."

Android

Android is an OS owned by Google. Unlike Apple's iOS, Android is "open." In this sense, Android is kind of like Windows in that any company can build a device and use Android as the OS for that device. Both closed and open OSs have their advantages and disadvantages. Nearly all the differences between mobile devices can be boiled down to the difference between iOS and Android, which is why mobile devices are thus categorized.

Windows

There is a third OS that might become a major player in the mobile world: Windows. However, Windows (at the time this was written) has not yet made much of a dent in mobile sales. Until more time passes, we won't know if Windows 8 will be a major player in the mobile field. One of the big challenges Windows faces is that because they are late to the game, their app store is not well developed. And who wants a great mobile device if it doesn’t also have great apps?

Amazon Fire

A fourth OS is the Amazon Fire operating system, but this is really just a watered down version of Android. Because Fire tablets are underpowered, they can’t run the full version of Android, but this is also why they are so affordable.

Chromebooks

A fifth option for mobile learning is Chromebooks. These aren’t as mobile as phones or tablets, and they don’t have apps the way mobile devices do, but they are as cheap as a tablet, and are basically laptops but without a hard drive (to speak of). So you can’t save anything on the computer, but anything that you can do in a Chrome browser, you can do on a Chromebook.

Differences Between Android and iOs

Here are two videos that do an excellent job explaining the history and difference between Android and iOS. Knowing the two platforms is good so you can know the strengths and weaknesses of each in case you are given the choice for your classroom or in case you have students bringing these devices to work on your projects.

managing a technology rich classroom

One of the most common concerns of teachers in technology-rich environments is how to effectively manage students and their devices. New teachers, still trying to learn classroom management strategies, seem particularly affected by this. It’s important to know that these are important concerns that often stem from a teacher’s sincere desire to provide a safe, comfortable, and effective learning environment.

Chances are that you don’t have to look any further than your local school to see examples of teachers who are providing meaningful learning experiences within a technology-rich classroom. These teachers embrace technology as a tool for learning rather than a threat to a delicate classroom management balance. These teachers are also not naive; they know that class policies and procedures regarding technology use in the classrooms are key to the productive use of technology.

It’s important for every teacher to have a clear plan of how technology will be used in the classroom, just like you should have a clear plan for classroom management in general. In fact, we find that teachers who are good at classroom management already do fine managing technology-rich classrooms, while the teachers who struggle to manage classrooms without technology continue to struggle with the technology. In short, classroom management is tied to your level of organization, preparation, and rapport with students. However, there are some strategies that can help with technology classrooms particularly. For example, some of these suggestions can be useful in managing your technology-rich classroom.

Assignments

Create and submit your strategy for integrating technology.
Post your letter to the general discussion board.
Review at least one other group's plan.