The value of mobile technology in teaching and learning

The year 2013, saw research, determine that mobile technology does in actual fact make a difference to the learning experience.  Project Tomorrow (2013) conducted a study whereby both students and teachers received android tablets and wireless connectivity to further enhance student education, from the comfort of their own home. Really! In the comfort of our own home?

Two schools in Chicago were monitored for 12 months, whereby results indicated that both students and teachers benefited.  Increased communication and student behaviour improved, despite the fears to the contrary, teachers were able increase their productivity and develop new opportunities for developing students.  A similar study conducted by Edinbugh1:1 (2013) also revealed similar results. Engagement and motivation increased, plus students became more autonomous in their learning.

Forgive me for questioning the use of mobile technology, but do we not have enough technology in our lives?  Is this, just another method of homework, whereby technology is yet again the tool in which we turn to today, for information and support?  Don't get me wrong, whilst I encourage the use of technology in the learning process, I believe that teaching should remain in the classroom. Homework as always been a part of education, but are we not going too far with this?

I am not an advocate of 24/7 learning, there is a time when schooling ends and recreation takes over. It is difficult enough, trying to get today's children off their mobile phones or tablet, never mind the static technology that is Xbox and Play Station. When will it end? No sooner do we awake, some form of technology is used, then at school college or university a computer is used, and then as soon as we get home its  Repeat, Pause and Repeat!

I believe that teaching and schooling should be conducted at a place of education.  We are in danger of having 24/7 learning.  Which, in my opinion can only be overkill for many and if we continue, there will be no need for a place of education, The comfort of the home will be the place, with no need to leave the house. What sort of life would that be?

If mobile technology in teaching and learning, is the future, we are in serious danger.  Not only of forgetting true values of education, which for me is social interaction, experiential learning and play!

https://thejournal.com/articles/2013/11/20/mobile-study-tablets-make-a-difference-in-teaching-and-learning.aspx http://

digitallearningteam.org/2013/10/24/edinburgh-11-mobile-evaluation/