Mobile Learning Initiatives in K-12 Schools

Mobile Learning Unit in K-12 Schools

Learning outcome

overview

Schools are becoming increasingly aware that access to technology in the classroom can help students be better prepared for the demands of a 21st century world. Luckily, many government and academic institutions are responding by providing additional funds to bring more technology into the classroom. In addition to funding more technology, these agencies are also allocating funds for training teachers to use that technology effectively. The following are common programs used by schools to provide more technology in schools.

1:1 - In a 1:1 school, the school has enough technology (laptops, chromebooks, tablets, etc.) to provide each student with a device to use. Some schools give students personal ownership of the devices, allowing students to take the device with them from class to class, and even home from school. Other 1:1 schools assign the devices to specific rooms and allow students to use them only in that environment. Either way, the important thing to note about a 1:1 school is that all students have equal access to technology.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) - BYOD schools are designed to provide students access to technology by requiring them to bring their personal devices (laptops, chromebooks, tablets, etc.) from home to school each day. Advocates of BYOD programs claim that the money saved from purchasing devices for each students allows cash-strapped schools and districts to provide technology-rich learning experiences at a fraction of the cost. It’s important to note that most BYOD schools provide assistance to students and families who are unable to provide their own devices

getting started in mobile learning

There are many things to consider when getting started using mobile learning in your classroom. This website lists many of the exciting possibilities and issues to prepare for Links to an external site.. This infographic, from the same K-12 Blueprint website, shows the various things to consider if your school started a BYOD program. While specific to BYOD, it’s also useful for other 1:1 initiatives as well. In summary, you need to consider how to buy-in for the initiative, which kind of device to use, how to plan for the initiative, and how to implement it effectively. Each of these areas is discussed in the website Links to an external site..

learn more! (Required before class)

Learn more about these various mobile learning initiatives by doing the following:

1. Read more about implementing BYOD from either the K-12 Blueprint website Links to an external site.(including glancing BRIEFLY through 2-3 of the PDF resources linked on the page)  or this article from Learning and Leading with Technology Links to an external site. (pages 4-8)
2. Read more about 1:1 initiatives by going to this website Links to an external site. and reading at least 3 case studies from the “A Closer Look” section. Alternatively, go to this website Links to an external site. and view at least 3 of the video examples.
3. Search your local newspaper archives to find an article on mobile learning in your state or the state where you hope to teach.  Keep track of the URL for use in class.