Mobile Technology has become a frequent way of learning in educational settings and has become more of a way of teaching multiple subjects rather than only be an object for learning in ICT classrooms. Boticki, et al (2015) stated, "Mobile Technology provides a range of new ways to learn, such as promoting authentic learning environments in the classroom thanks to mobile technology, allowing students to make connections to their classroom lessons on learning."
But the main question is, is this new profound way of learning more important than teachers?
Keengwe et al, (2008) said, "Technology is not a substitute for good instruction; effective teachers should strive to integrate technology into their lessons to engage multiple learning styles of diverse learners and abilities in the classroom." Therefore it could be said that teachers will always be a part of teaching but may become the 'facilitators' rather than the prominent individual in the learning process.
Although technology introduces upgraded ways of learning, it is the influential role and abilities of teachers that allow technology to be a part of the curriculum, therefore a balance between the teachers instructions and technological advances could be the improvement that education settings need for the future.
Domingo,M. and Gargante, A. (2016)Exploring the use of educational technology in primary education: Teachers' perception of mobile technology learning impacts and applications' use in the classroom. Computers in Human Behaviour, 56, pp.21-28.
Leonard, J. (2013) How Early Childhood Educators are initially integrating tablet technology in the curriculum. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. pp.5-6.
I think mobile technology does provide an authentic learning environment by allowing the child to learn in new ways as it gives them the opportunity to develop and improve their skills within the classroom, but can mobile technology expand learning outside of the classroom environment? As mobile technology is developing every day, it can provide countless opportunities for people to encounter first-hand experiences and can actively reflect upon it, through practical applications such as Youtube and mobile-learning modes such as the Khan Academy, with the assurance that the learning content is accurate, accessible and reliable. (Wilson & Bolliger, 2013)
ReplyDeleteThis leads to the question, can mobile-learning replace the use of classrooms and teachers in the future? In my opinion, I think it possibly can. With the development of technology and the ever-growing use of online learning tools such as the Khan Academy and the Open University, teachers could possibly become the gadget of past. This is because this method of learning is versatile in regards to the convenience of it being available at any time and can be accessed at any place with a wireless connection. In addition, as stated before it can provide many first-hand learning experiences that cannot be experienced within the classroom.
Wilson, M. & Bolliger, D. (2013) ‘Mobile Learning’ Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Vol.29(5), pp.220-224 Available at: http://journals.sagepub.com.ezproxy.cardiffmet.ac.uk/doi/pdf/10.1177/8756479313503734 (Accessed: 18th December 2016)
Answering Sara's question, I don't think technology is more important than teachers, but their are many mixed opinions to this question.
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