MID’s
Personally, I do not have an issue with MID’s in the classroom. I am of the opinion that students will use them whether or not they are permitted and I also think that they can be a great resource for learning. Papanis, Giavrimis and Papani (2010) agree that the Internet encourages the pursuit of knowledge in that it houses so much accessible information to be sought. I do think that there should be boundaries for MID’s in the classroom, they should be used with respect towards others, for example, they are acceptable to use during in-class work periods but not during peer or teacher presentations or demonstrations. Even with these boundaries, some students will undoubtedly still use their MID’s outside of the boundaries. I think it is important for educators, whether there is a school policy or if it is classroom specific, to remain consistent with whatever policies are in place. Also, it is very important that teachers are not using their MID’s outside of what is expected of their students. Modeling behaviour that is not acceptable within the classroom guidelines is not a great way to earn respect from students or maintain a positive classroom environment.
Potential Educational Value
I think that the iPad or similar MID’s enable a variety of positive additions to the classroom. Upon reading the article Its the Pedagogy, Stupid: Lessons from an iPad Lending Program I was not very surprised to hear that many of the applicants described uses for the iPad that could be accomplished on a laptop or computer. Although I do not have an iPad, I think that their possibilities go beyond that, especially with the Apps that are available. Here is the link to a website that lists iPads specifically related to Art: http://appsineducation.blogspot.ca/p/art-ipad-apps.html I could definitely use some of them in the list, for example in figure drawing or for a virtual museum tour! I think that one of the most important things to remember when integrating technology into a classroom is to know the ways that the technology can enhance learning. Using a technology at it’s minimum capacity is losing out on some amazing learning opportunities.
QR Codes
I have used QR codes in my previous classes and plan to continue using them. So far I have only used them on student posters but I really enjoy the idea of integrating them into scavenger hunts, for parent contact and for further learning opportunities.
Conclusion
Especially after viewing the increase in use and how fast the global consumer mobile device and connection trends are projected to grow, as long as the goal of education remains to prepare youth for the society we have created, then the education system should embrace mobile technology. The fact that more people have mobile subscriptions than those that have electricity and safe drinking water is quite sad and really shows the kind of society we have created for ourselves (Chetan Sharma Consulting, 2012). I think that mobile technology integration can be valuable, but it should not be more valuable or accessible than clean drinking water or electricity... let’s start that conversation!
Chetan Sharma Consulting. (2012). Technology & Strategy Consulting. Retrieved from http://www.chetansharma.com/GlobalMobileMarketUpdate2012.htm
Papanis, E., Giavrimis, P., & Papani, E. (2010). The Contribution of the Internet into Learning. Review Of European Studies, 2(1), 54-60.
Swanson, Greg. (2013). Apps in Education: Art iPad Apps. Retrieved from http://appsineducation.blogspot.ca/p/art-ipad-apps.html
Water.org. (2013) Lesson Plans. Retrieved from http://water.org/news/lesson-plans/?utm_source=wo_get_involved&utm_medium=web&utm_content=lesson_plans
Kaylee's Journal EDUC 4764: http://kayleemelhoff.weebly.com/3/post/2013/07/convergence-and-mobile-devices.html
Allison's Education 4764 Journal: http://agroenenboom.weebly.com/2/post/2013/07/mobile-internet-devices.html