Using mobile phones for teaching and learning has a range of benefits. These include increased interactivity, collaboration, and instant communication. In addition, mobile devices can help with assessment support. Some people consider the technology to better meet the needs of students and institutions while balancing the needs of learners and existing pedagogical frameworks.
Interactivity
Using cell phones in the classroom has many benefits for teachers and students alike. Firstly, students are already accustomed to using cell phones. They can quickly access the internet and look up information. Secondly, a student’s cell phone is an easy tool for recording lectures. Hence, teachers can move quickly into lessons instead of spending hours trying to explain concepts to a room full of students.
While this technology may be useful for teaching and learning, it must be used properly. While some of its applications are still nascent, there are some that are already being used by teachers and students. For example, the Socrative application was used in a classroom setting to increase interactivity and engagement. In addition to that, students were encouraged to participate in discussions and collaborate with each other. Moreover, it revealed some of the challenges related to off-task use.
Instant communication
Instant communication is an increasingly popular way for students and teachers to keep in touch. It’s especially convenient during lunch hours and recess, when parents can call and text their kids. Teachers can also use educational applications on smartphones for student interaction. These devices often have programs that are similar to those found on desktop computers. For example, many allow users to search for facts quickly on the internet.
Initially, cell phones were considered a distraction in the classroom, but with the advancement of technology, educators began to recognize the benefits of these devices. They are now useful teaching aids that have the potential to improve learning outcomes.
Collaboration
The popularity of facilitating technological devices in the classroom is controversial. However, a study conducted in Indonesia aims to examine the effectiveness of collaboration using mobile phones in education. The researchers recruited 528 teachers in the Sleman District and used a self-rated questionnaire to gather data. They also conducted factor analysis tests to examine their findings. They found that students’ social relationships with teachers and peers influenced collaboration effectiveness.
Collaboration using mobile phones in engineering education is an emerging research field. It has many potentials for boosting cognitive growth in learners. It is becoming an essential tool for communicating with teachers and students. In fact, studies by Fu and Hwang suggest that mobile collaborative learning is a powerful way to engage students in engineering activities outside of the classroom.
Assessment support
Among the many new technologies emerging in education, smartphones offer great potential for formative assessment. They have wide coverage, particularly in low-resource settings, and can be used to conduct short message services, live phone calls, and interactive voice responses. A knowledge pack on phone-based assessments has been developed by the EdTech team at the World Bank. It provides key insights for non-technical audiences. A number of free digital quizzing tools are also available for teachers and students to use in a variety of ways.
Teachers can use these tools to streamline instruction. They can use the features of mobile devices to create dynamic quizzes that promote student collaboration, debate, and discussion. These tools also allow teachers to “flip” formative assessment, conducting quizzes with students through their mobile devices as part of homework. The results of these tests can help teachers determine what they should cover in the next day or week of instruction. They can also identify any instructional gaps before they begin planning lessons.
Audio and video capabilities
The audio and video capabilities of mobile phones can be used to enhance education and learning experiences in many different ways. Students’ ability to use their phones to share information and view videos can make classrooms more engaging and interactive. Teachers can use the devices to create alternative learning spaces. However, teachers must be careful to ensure students remain on task while using the devices.
Audio and video capabilities of mobile phones can also help students understand complex concepts and ideas. The devices can also enhance interactions between students and instructors and foster collaboration. Students can also download educational apps to enhance their learning experiences. These applications can engage students in competitions with their peers and allow them to explore new ideas.
Social media
Using social media and mobile phones in teaching and learning has a number of potential benefits. They promote collaborative learning, allow for transfer of resource materials and facilitate interaction among teachers and students. This study also aims to provide guidelines for the corporate world by examining the effects of these technologies.
Social media and mobile devices are transforming learning environments, providing new learning cultures. These technologies are increasingly accessible and enable students to create course contents and collaborate with peers and experts. Yet, educational institutions have not fully realized the potential of mobile devices for student learning.