Mobile Learning Experience 2013

Mobile learning is not yet pervasive in PK-2 classrooms, but its potential is enormous. This session is designed to specifically help those teachers and administrators who accept the challenge to integrate mobile technologies into their schools and classrooms. It provides both a list of apps suited for PK-2 classrooms, and numerous instructional strategies that (1) foster active, participatory learning, (2) increase student engagement in the learning process, and (3) create exciting, empowering, exploratory, student-centered learning environments.

Using iPads and age-appropriate apps gives PK-2 classroom teachers many opportunities to instill in young students a curiosity about geography, science, mathematics, social studies, language, and the world in which they live. A multitude of these apps turn iPads into multidisciplinary, inquiry-driven, field-based tools useful across all curricula.

Many apps support multiple learning styles, presenting data that is visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, and the iPad’s tactile interface and media-friendly approach introduce a new element into the learning experience for young students. iPads and well-chosen apps can capture the imagination of students and motivate them to learn more on their own.

This session explores five accessibility features (zoom magnification, large text, speak selection, assistivetouch, guided access) that are useful for PK-2 classrooms. Finally, this session showcases six criteria for evaluating mobile apps that help children learn in real world, context-rich, student-centered environments in which learning is relevant and focused on concrete approaches to solving real-world problems. I label these criteria the 6Cs and evaluate to what extent does an app allow teachers and students to create, communicate, connect, collaborate, contextualize and critique.