'Bringing Your Own Device'

"'Bringing Your Own Device' Catching on In Schools"
by Laura Devaney
eSchool News
Posted online on April 29, 2011
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/04/29/bring-your-own-device-catching-on-in-schools/?

I know I have written on this topic before, but I had to post another article on mobile devices because it backed up my article from before.  Yes, I am pushing an agenda!  :)

Though there has not been much research as of yet, the initial findings are showing that the use of mobile devices can really assist in learning.  One person quoted from Catholic Schools K-12 Virtual Learning states they are looking for students to drive the process and that is what is happening.  It is cheaper for the districts if families buy the hardware (which is the one BIG disadvantage as not all families can afford it) and the kids are wanting to use the devices as the novelties of Facebook, etc. are wearing off.

In a district in Georgia, the virtual learning device was not required, but the concept took off in a viral fashion not only among students but among the community and school leadership as well.  What they have found is this type of learning promotes higher-level thinking and creativity.  As an added bonus, they have found that theft and discipline issues involving technology have decreased as well.

Here is a quote from the article as to how mobile devices might be used in learning:  "Research-based benefits of one-to-one mobile learning initiatives might include:

• Improvements in attendance and discipline
• Broader array of learning resources and experiences
• Increased frequency and quality of supportive individual and group interactions
• Improvements in student and parent attitudes toward the school
• Increases in student achievement"

As you can see, the mobile device way of learning is for everyone so jump on the bandwagon before it is too late!