Mobile Learning Lab

For the Mobile Learning Lab, I explored use of a flip video camera, PollEverywhere, and use of mobile devices (iPad and Smartphone) during my WPP training session.

For the Flip video camera, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop session at eTech Ohio Conference about creating your own common craft style video. The simple point, click, and video of the flip camera makes it perfect for using within the classroom. Here is the finish product of our Fun Fractions common craft style video.

My next tool to try was the use of PollEverywhere. I thought the use of the PollEverywhere during my SMART Board implementation would help give me an idea the audience. I know most of the teachers, but not exactly sure of their experiences as well as get a feel for if additional trainings were something they would be interested in attending. I also thought that incorporating the use mobile technology within the session might begin the conversation of using mobile technology in the classroom. The results are as follows:

poll taken before session started

poll taken after the training was complete

As for my classroom, I think that mobile technology will focus around using iPads/iPods within the classroom as devices to explore and create. I would like to explore the use of iPods to develop the student's independence through visuals schedules and communication apps. I also see the use of flip video cameras for video modeling or the use of mp3 players as a way to provide greater access to the general education curriculum. At this point, the use of other mobile technology tools, such as PollEverywhere or Smartphones, are not appropriate for them.

One mobile technology I would like to see used in middle and high school is the use of "back-channeling" using a twitter hashtag. I experienced the power of "back-channeling" this past week while at the eTech Conference. While attending my sessions, I was tweeting with the hashtag #oetc12 sharing session notes and web links. Others where doing the same thing. By the end of the conference, I had resources for many more sessions that I could have even attended myself. I can't help but think of the implication this would have for the classroom. Students could send comments, questions, and share links via the class hashtag. It would also allow for all the students taking the specific class to interact even if not in the same class period. My comment in Classroom 2.0 reflected this idea of "back- channeling".