Taking Wing: Morphing to the Plugged-in, M-Learning Environment
Recent research suggests more young adults (18--25 year olds) are using mobile devices than before, for activities that range from communicating to research to staying organized (see Pew Internet and American Life's "As Learning Goes Mobile").
I feel m-learning, or integrating mobile tools in learning holds exciting potential for integrating learning with technology in an engaged and augmented manner to challenge and extend the learning environment for the plugged-in digital natives in our classrooms.
M-learning can be asynchronous, blended, and collaborative. Students can learn at their own pace, using technologically augmented modes that adapt to their learning styles, in a collaborative, peer-learning environment. Equally importantly, it can also be just-in-time learning, accessible and ubiquitous. Exciting times for new pedagogical initiatives and student learning! Â
Here are some college apps reviews worth checking out. Some of the apps discussed in eCampus News for higher learning make good additions to a student's toolbox.
For example, the mind-mapping (but not free) MindJet, and Inkling, which allows to you purchase digital textbooks (or just chapters) as well as MyPocketProf (here's the creator's Twitter feed) for syncing notes and collaborating on study guides can help make learning fun, productive, and efficient.
I look forward to trying them out and recommending features I like to my students.Â
MyPocketProf, Evernote, and WiFi finder also find mention in the BusinessWeek's review of Top 10 apps for college.Â
I am particularly interested in developing the curriculum to involve my students in service-learning. For example, I have traditionally found ways to  collaborate with community-based nonprofit organizations and integrate my course learning outcomes with their needs.
In this form of service-learning approach, my students will combine their learning material with its application in the community, to benefit both the students and the community.Â
This Fall, I look forward to exploring the potential of m-learning with service-learning in my social media and international public relations courses.Â
What are your thoughts about using mobile technology in learning:
As a student, how do you see mobile learning integrating with your coursework?
As an educator, where do you see the academy headed: in the traditional, blended, or mobile learning landscape?Â
For butterfly experts out there, here is a gorgeous specimen I've been trying to identify from a recent Pemberton run. Any clue?Â
