Sunday, 27 June 2010

The state of play..

So far, the case AGAINST mobiles in class consists of the following points:


  • Using mobiles for schoolwork could make students feel too much pressure, upsetting the balance between study and leisure
  • Who will pay? Schools may not be able to afford the latest devices
  • Lack of standardisation across devices could mean inequality of access
  • Just because students like to use mobiles, doesn't mean they'll like to use them for learning
  • Mobile devices may present accessibility issues to some students with sensory or manual-dexterity impairments

The question the Antis position have not yet really answered is - Do they think the use of mobiles in education would actually impair the students' learning? And if so how?



Those arguing FOR mobiles in class have made the following points:


  • The kids already have mobile devices; lets bring education to where the kids are
  • Mobiles help kids feel connected, especially if they have sensory impairments
  • Using mobiles to gather data can make learning more fun and motivating
  • Using mobiles to do homework gives students more time for study, and more control over their learning
  • No evidence for health problems associated with mobiles
What the Pros haven't addressed sufficiently so far is the question - How would mobile devices benefit the quality of students' learning, as opposed to simply enabling them to study when on the move?

best,
Willi



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