Journal # 7

The Future of Education: Learning While Mobile by Mark Van ‘T Hooft

Hooft’s article discusses the student learning with mobile technology. Mobile technology covers elements like cell phones, GPS systems, wireless computers, media players, etc. Hooft believes that this mobile technology will help prepare students for an increasingly fluid educational future. He claims that teachers who expose students to this type of learning will be able to bridge formal and informal learning to allow students with more hands-on and interactive opportunities for learning. Students will also become more adept at communicating what they have learned with peers as well as operate in various contexts of learning that will go beyond the classroom. He also warns of potential problems with this type of learning like a fear of new technology by adults and ethics problems stemming from using technology.

Who can have access to this type of technology in their classroom?

I researched a few of the museums in San Diego. Most of the museums only have virtual tours and webcasts. The virtual tours take one on a simulated tour of the museum with accompanying voice-over to help guide visitors through each exhibit. The webcasts give specific information about events or research about such things like the San Diego fires: fire prevention or the science of fire and firefighting. Many of the mobile learning tools are only accessible in certain parts of the country. Being from Chicago and recently visiting there, I know that the Museum of Science and Industry have scavenger hunts that begin with classroom research on computers and end with a field trip, where students do their scavenger hunt.

Why is this type of technology useful?

Although this type of technology seems to be limited to a few places, it does appear to get students involved in real world scenarios and it gives them a different use of mobile technology (cell phones, wireless computers, and media players) than they are accustomed to. It forces students to see their everyday technology in a learning environment. This technology is useful because it involves students more in the learning process.