I'm in Dublin, Ireland attending the IADIS Conference on Mobile Learning. One of the most interesting features of this conference is listening to so many people from aroundthe globe discuss how and why the implement mobile learning in K-12 or Higher Ed.
It's also very eye opening to look at the accessibility issues some countries and universities face. For example, I listened to a professor from South Africa today talk about the incredible poverty in which some of her students live, and how some of their homes may not have running water or electricity; yet, whenever they get a chance, these students are eager to experience cell phone technology. This professor wanted to use cell phones in the classroom for collaborative learning, but the expense of the phones in South Africa and the minutes, caused her to look elsewhere for mobile technology. She ended up using PDAs, but in her particular area of South Africa, the lack of broadband and low bandwidth limited her access. She patched together a system using bluetooth whereby students used PDAs to collaborate in small group projects and then they sent their work to the teacher/facilitator who had a laptop at the front of the room that was connected to a lowbandwidth internet. Amazing to what extent this professor went to utilize mobile learning in less than optimal circumstances.
Her motivation was that her country is changing from a behavioristic model of learning to a more socially constructed model.
Friday, July 14, 2006
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2 comments:
It's good to see there are great teachers everywhere - willing to go beyond the limits imposed on us. Thanks for sharing!
I suppose we are fortunate to be where we are----just to think that we complain when there's no wireless!
Sounds really interesting. Travel safely!
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