Mobile Learning

Last week in TEAC 259, we tried an experiment in mobile learning. On our walk from the classroom to the new library Learning Commons, we engaged in mobile blogging as groups. During travel time and while at the library, we chronicled what was happening through the use of pictures and text on a group Google Doc. This was my first time editing a Google Doc on a mobile device. It was definitely an interesting experience. It was a bit disconcerting at first to have everyone editing one document at one time on a screen as small as your cell phone screen is. It felt like we were virtually tripping over each other to input information. However, as time went on it got easier. It helped that each person was signed in with their name so you could see who was typing where. Some things we were able to do were add text and images, change font color and size, use different devices among the group, and install apps on the go. For example, while at the library, we realized we would also need the app for Google Slides to add a link to our doc to the class's Chaos Dump. One thing we could not do was add videos directly to the Google Doc. Later we learned that there were a couple different workarounds to this problem we could have tried. 

Check our efforts by clicking on this link: 

Thursday February 4th TEAC 259

While at the library, we were shown a demo on the One Button Studio. The room allows students to easily record themselves. I think the studio is a great resource for students. I especially like that you can record yourself giving a presentation or doing a speech so you can go back and critique yourself. It's a chance to step back and look at what you are doing while presenting (and a step up from practicing in a mirror). When we were given our demo, the equipment was having technical difficulties. Brad had to troubleshoot, and it turned out that a wire had come unplugged. Even though this delayed our demo, it was a good lesson in how to troubleshoot when problems come up. Video recorded in the studio is downloaded directly to a flash drive for you to take with you. It also has cool features you can utilize like a green screen. The studio seems pretty straightforward to use and has many opportunities to be creative with its use. I'm glad we got to take the trip to see it, because it was a resource I didn't know we had!

Mobile learning definitely has its advantages, such as allowing learning to happen anywhere and on-the-go, and allowing people not physically in class to participate in what's going on. However, one limitation I noticed is that I felt slightly disconnected from what I was doing. I was very focused on updating our mobile blog and felt awkward being glued to my phone throughout the trip to the library and especially during Brad's demo. This activity took me slightly out of my comfort zone and forced me to do some quick thinking on the go. Mobile learning is something I would want to explore more before using it in a classroom.