CEP 812 Moblie Learning Lab

Join the Conversation in Classroom 2.0

Here is a screen shot of the comment I left in the cellphone discussion in Classroom 2.0.

Create a Poll/Survey

Here is a screen shot of the text poll I created. I really like this site and can see one day using it with my students.

Blog about your explorations!

For the mobile learning lab I chose to explore iPads, iPhones, and Flip Cameras. They all intrigue me and I would like to learn how I could use them in my classrooms.
 

iPads

Apps, Apps, Apps!  All I hear when someone mentions the iPad is how amazing the applications are.  In fact, I read that the Apple website advertises over 140,000 apps for the iPad. After some researching I found I there are some amazing ones.

Below are just some of the apps I found that I can use in my English classroom.

• Free Books
• SAT Word Lite
• 3D Classic Literature Collection
• ElectriLit
• Classics
• iBooks
• Pronunciation Pro

Besides an abundance in educational apps, I feel the iPad offers students a new way to be active learners. The iPad has a motion sensor that allows students to use their hands to control some things they see on the screen.  I imagine this is a feature kids enjoy using. I have seen some really amazing interactive books and games and some cool music and physics apps. There is also a GPS map app that lets students observe places. Finally, I think the iPad is useful for students to use when working with groups. I have read there is an app that allows students to meet online to share ideas and work on projects.

iPhone

After researching the use of smart phones in the classroom, I have mixed feelings about using them in the classroom.  I know there are some fun educational ways for students to use them and they help motivate students. I also understand that using a technology that students love to help them learn may make them feel more connected to the subject and/or fellow students. I just do not know if I like the idea of students being on the “grid” all the time and especially in the classroom. I see many ways in which students can abuse the smart phone, such as:

• Texting and sex texting
• Spreading rumors
• Cheating-taking photos of tests or texting each other the answers
• Recording teachers and other students during class
• Distracting phone calls coming from parents or friends
• Playing games during class
• Taking pictures during class

Flip Cameras

The last learning lab I explored was Flip Cameras.  One thing I really like about the Flip camera is the price. It is also so easy to use that students will be able to figure out how to work one within a matter of minutes. The lab gave examples of how the flip camera can be used in every content area and in so many creative ways.  I especially like the idea of a class using the camera to send a get-well message to a sick classmate or teacher. I also think using the Flip camera to make “bookcasts” is a great way to get students excited about reading. I would love the chance to use a Flip camera in a brick-and-mortar classroom, though I do not like that you can only record one hour of video at time.