Mobiles and Handheld devices have been developing since the 1970's and 80's with the introduction of the first mobile phone. The device weighed about 2 and half pounds and had three features: dial, listen, and talk. You could talk for a grand total of 35 minutes and had to charge it for 10 hours before using it again. The commercial version of this phone was released in 1983 and had an initial cost of $3,500. Things have changed a little over time as the use of mobile phones and handhelds dwarfs has become a staple of society. The applications of these devices has increased enormously since the 1980's. Some applications include: voicemail, text messaging, camera/camcorder, music/video player, internet access, calender, etc. Those are just some of the applications on a basic mobile phone. Others have the capacity for other applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, and e-mail. The effect of these devices has impacted the younger generations the most as they will grow up with these technologies at their fingertips. This generation is now entering the world of school, where there are desks, chalkboards, and seemingly endless lectures. It would suit the student and the instructor to find some way of integrating the use of mobiles or handhelds into the curriculum. Thankfully, there are companies that have found innovative ways to use handheld devices to help enhance the educational process. One such tool is the "GoKnow!" handheld system. Here is a video that help describe how it works and enhances the classroom experience.
This is one example of the incredible resources that can be made available for teachers and students to help incorporate technology into the classroom. Another example I can remember was from a music class at my previous college. Instead providing students with a large (and expensive) textbook and CD set, the class provided ipods with previously downloaded music for the course. The students were issued one for the semester to help study for tests and learn certain styles of music. The ipods were then reused for the following semester. That was another innovative way handhelds have been used in a classroom setting. Cell phones are also on the rise, but I would caution against fully integrating their use in the classroom. These would be much harder to regulate usage and school wide mobile plan could become expensive and hard to justify. Also, some students may or may not have a cell phone with the capabilities needed to fulfill classwork.
Mobiles and handheld devices are a part of the future of the classroom and can be a huge asset for the learning environment when used effectively. For additional ideas to integrate these technologies into the classroom follow the link below for 101 uses for these devices in an educational environment.
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