Ni Luh Wayan Verayanti

Smartphones as Tools for Education:

Getting Smart With Smartphones

Introduction

The smartphone owner population is growing. Multi-functionality, portability, and connectivity are opening doors for learning. No wonder students harness smartphone technology to help them in education. These tiny pocket computers keep students connected to the Internet, improving their academics. However, many students are oblivious to the power in their hands; the power of educational apps, the potential for success.

What Is a Smartphone?

On a superficial level, a smartphone is a gadget that allows people to make phone calls as well as use other features (which used to be found only on personal digital assistants or personal computers) that are not common on a conventional phone. To further understand what a smartphone is and is not, we need to look at its history.

Before there were smartphones, there were only cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Cell phones were for calls and text messages; PDAs were used as organizers. The latter could keep contact information could create to-do lists. They could also sync with a computer. As technology progressed, PDAs acquired the ability to connect wirelessly and to send and receive e-mail. As time passed, PDAs gained cell phone features while cell phones became more like PDAs to the point of almost turning into small computers; the beginning of smartphones.

The first, most successful smartphone was the BlackBerry. Research In Motion was the first company to introduce different versions of the smartphone to the public. More firms joined them, like Motorola, Sony and Nokia. Although Research In Motion was the pioneer, it was Sony that first introduced the smartphone closest to what we know today. Sony was able to do so with the help of PALM Corporation, the firm that was known for making portable computers and PDAs. The Sony PCS phone was developed with PALM software. Users were able to access their personal information manager data and make and receive calls and text messages.

Smartphones have become part of contemporary culture. It was in the early 2000s when Apple, Inc. developed the first iPhone with Sony. This caused a new surge for a higher-level smartphone with more and better functionality while maintaining ease of use and wide access. The iPhone became a “blueprint” for newer non-Apple smartphones, forcing Apple to sue other firms like HTC and Samsung with patent infringement claims. Since then, Apple has become the most trusted company when it comes to smartphone choice.

For more information about Smartphones, visit these links:

The Difference Between a Cell Phone, Smartphone and PDA – Differentiates smartphones from cell phone and PDA
Smartphones - Discusses the meaning of smartphones as well as the features found in smartphones.
What Is An Android Smart Phone – Describes an android smartphone and its features

Smartphone Features

So what makes a smartphone smart?

First, a smartphone is smart because it has an operating system which manages the gadget’s hardware and software. It is no different from the operating system of a desktop computer. An operating system also enhances the gadget’s performance and battery life through management of power consumption. The most popular operating systems are Symbian, Android, iOS, BlackBerry and Windows Phone.

Another characteristic of a smartphone is the presence of at least one home screen. It is the main menu display that shows the apps and widgets. Most smartphones nowadays have more than one home screen so that the user can customize and separate the phone’s apps.

Speaking of apps, they are also one of the reasons why a smartphone is smart. Apps are mini software programs that can perform various functions. They are also the reason why every smartphone is unique, because each owner has different taste in apps.

Smartphones also have Internet connectivity, either through Wi-Fi or 3G/4G. Older smartphones depend on GPRS or EDGE.

Memory is also an integral part of a smartphone. Most smartphones have a card slot for microSD cards, but some have a very large internal memory space so that users do not have to buy an external memory card.

All in all, a smartphone is like a very small personal computer. Loaded with useful apps, it’s a powerful, pricey package.

Basic Features of a Smartphone – Lists some basic features of smartphones other than calling
Short comparison of smart phone features – Discusses features of smartphones which buyers can’t resist
The Latest and Greatest Smartphones – Identifies great features of some Latest smartphones

Using a Smartphone for Education

Mobile Learning

What is mobile learning?

Every day, more and more people are buying gadgets to connect to the digital world. Gadgets are everywhere: Smartphones, music players, tablet computers, laptops, netbooks, etc. If one of them is used for educational purposes and productivity, that’s mobile learning.

Learning does not only happen inside the four walls of the classroom, it can happen anywhere: On a bus, in a museum, at the zoo, in the living room. Portability is important for a gadget, but a gadget is most praised for its ability to connect to academic resources with just a swipe of a finger.

What can a learner do with a smartphone?

A user can now take notes and transfer them to a laptop or share them online with a study group. Teachers can create presentations or flashcards. A learner has instant access to numerous websites for questions needing answered. For video assignments, students can record their films using a smartphone and send them to a computer for editing.

There are really a lot of ways to learn using a smartphone. Mobile learning is a gateway to tools and resources. It makes learning more personalized and creates bridges over the gaps between teacher and student. The great thing is that it gives users access to tons of content anywhere, anytime. Mobile learning opens up the opportunity to learn all the time.

Mobile learning is not the same as e-learning. E-learning focuses on disseminating educational knowledge through the Internet. Therefore, if there is no Internet connection, e-learning is impossible. Mobile learning is only a part of it. E-learning incorporates mobile learning through conducting learning activities on the Internet.

If you want to know more about Mobile Learning, see these links:

What is Mobile Learning? – Discusses the meaning and importance of Mobile Learning
Mobile Learning Guide – Compilation of Mobile Learning resources which includes the basics, examples and best practices of Mobile Learning
Learning in a Mobile Age – This is an International Journal by John Traxler which states the meaning and theories of Mobile Learning
Mobile Learning Basics – Differentiates Mobile Learning from E-Learning and shows the timeline of Mobile Development

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Learning

Pros:

Portability: Smartphones are small and lightweight when compared to laptops and tablet computers. They can easily be carried by anyone, anytime and anywhere. Mobile learning is now convenient and flexible because of the smartphone’s portability.
Low Cost: Because fewer materials were used for smartphones, they are less expensive than desktop computers.
Energy-Saver: Smartphones run on smaller amounts of power than desktop and laptop computers.
Connection: Along with their portability, smartphones also have Bluetooth and/or Internet connectivity. Internet connectivity enhances student performance because students have easy and fast access to information, making smartphones supportive tools.
Personal Feel: Smartphones are the closest gadgets that anyone can have. They are more personal. Teachers or students might share a laptop or desktop computer with their whole family and with their friends, but they will find it hard to share their phone.
Engagement: A lot of people find smartphones delightful, because of their touchscreen. They’re very engaging, so learning can last for a long time. Moreover, students have different ways of learning. With hundreds of educational apps available in the app libraries, students can personalize their smartphones and will be encouraged to study.
Good Use of Time: Most students do not know what to do during “dead time” like when travelling or just waiting for a bus. With smartphones, they can now learn even when they are just sitting on a bus waiting for the next stop.

Cons:

Cost: Although smartphones are cheaper than desktop, laptop and tablet computers, they still cost a lot. They can cost anywhere from $100 to $500. Besides, technology changes very fast so a user has to upgrade smartphones frequently. Moreover, mobile providers charge monthly data use depending on the size of the files downloaded, so large files may cause the cost to skyrocket.
Size of Device: Despite the fact that small smartphones are good for portability, their size adds to the possibility of getting stolen or lost. Moreover, their screen is so small; some users might find texts hard to read.
Battery Life: Most smartphones can last only about two to four hours. Once the power runs out, it has to be recharged, making it immobile.
Usability: The keypad is too small on some smartphones making it hard for some users to type. Yes, detachable keyboards are available, but that will just add to the cost.

For scholarly studies about the advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Learning, visit theses links:

Mobile learning in the 21st century: benefit for learners – Proposes fundamental learning advantages that are gained more easily, or to a greater degree, through the use of Mobile Learning
Defining Mobile Learning in the Higher Education Landscape - Clarifies the meaning of mobile learning by applying its key concepts to learning experiences in post-school education
Mobile Learning Approaches for U.S. Army Training – Discusses how U.S. Army used Mobile learning in their trainings
Implications of Mobile Learning in Distance Education for Operational Activities – Discusses how distance learners benefits from mobile learning program

Smartphones as Learning Tools

Will it really do good to have smartphones in the classroom? Can they be valid learning tools or will they just add to the number of distractions to students? Although schools will disagree on the educational value of smartphones, they have to accept the fact that, slowly, smartphones are becoming commonplace as educational tools.

We all know that the problem with smartphones in the classroom is that they are a floodway for distractions. This is the main reason why many teachers are anxious about allowing smartphones in class. Smartphones might lure the students away from the lesson, instead of pushing them toward learning.

Teachers should really reconsider allowing smartphones in class. Although smartphones might look like toys at first, they can be very efficient, especially now that many app developers are creating educational apps. Most of these apps are even free! It is just a matter of exploring the App Store or Play Store.

Portability is another reason why administrators and teachers should reconsider allowing smartphones in class. Bringing laptops to class is a bit of a hassle for students because they are heavy. Why not use a gadget that can level with laptops? No, a student cannot type a long essay using a smartphone, but they can still do a lot on it like reviewing, finding articles, taking notes or even reading.

Smartphones are not completely alternative tools. They are just a supplement for classroom engagement. Besides, it is not a good idea to require smartphones when many students still use standard phones. This is just to show that smartphones are not completely or necessarily evil. This generation’s kids are a lot harder to encourage to study because of the technology that surrounds them. So why not use that technology to help them study?

Should Students use their Smartphones as Learning Tools? – States the reasons why smartphones must be used in the classrooms
Using Smartphones as Essential Tools for Learning – Discusses how a mobile device is being used as an essential tool for learning in an elementary school
Informal learning with PDAs and smartphones – Narrates how adults make use of their own mobile devices to support informal learning
Smartphones as Learning Tools - Gives several tips on the best practices for smartphones in the class

Useful Smartphone Apps for Students

Despite the great built-in features of a smartphone, a student can only explore its full potential by using apps. Here are some of the useful smartphone apps for studying.

Google Chrome - Among all Android browsers, Google Chrome is the best because of its smooth user interface. If students have problems with a website, they can just check “Request Desktop Site” to view the site the way it is on desktop. This feature makes Chrome the best.
Team Viewer - If a student forgets an assignment on their computer at home they can use this app to control their Windows, Mac or Linux computer.
Dropbox or Google Drive - It is very important for students to have their files synced across all their devices. Using Dropbox or Google Drive on their smartphone, students can rest assured that their files will always be available.
Recordroid - Students who are tired of transcribing their teacher’s lessons can use Recordroid to create audio recording notes. Files created will be sent to their desktop computer via e-mail, so they can review what the teacher said at home.
myHomework - This app lists the deadlines for homework. It also tracks the difficulty level of assignments, so students can do the easier ones first.
Dictionary.com - Some dictionaries are too thick to carry. The smaller ones are not even complete. Download the Dictionary.com app and a student can have about 2 million words available with just a swipe of a finger.
Instapaper - If a student finds something very useful on the Internet but doesn’t have the time to read it now they can get Instapaper. This app turns any webpage into readable offline content, so students can read it later, even without an Internet connection.

Lists of Useful smartphone apps for students:

The ''Must-Have'' Features for Student Smartphones - This guide goes through the possibilities, discussing the features that students need, and what they might not
17 Useful & Fun Smartphone Apps for the College Student - Lists some awesome apps which is subdivided in to three categories: transportation, games, and bargains
50 Apps Students Will Be Using In Your Classroom - Lists some of the very best smartphone apps that can help students this back-to-school season.

Smartphones as Teaching Tools

Smartphones can be powerful teaching tools. As mentioned earlier, app developers are developing more and more educational apps. Users can now find reference books, flashcards, calculators, and much more on a smartphone.

So how can teachers use smartphones in teaching?

Teachers can use smartphones for file sharing, especially if they have the Dropbox app. This app is great for distributing information. Teachers can tell their students to make Dropbox accounts and create class-shared folders so that students can just submit their essays and projects from their computers or smartphones. Dropbox can save teachers time and paper.

Evernote is also a great app for teachers to use. It has a file-sharing feature, but it is mainly for taking notes. Teachers can now share their lessons wirelessly to let students review their notes after class.

A smartphone’s camera is also useful in several ways. Students can just take pictures of what the teacher writes on the board instead of copying the information in their notebooks. Students can then pay more attention to what the teacher is saying. Students can also record the discussion, so that they can re-listen to the lecture later.

Useful Smartphone Apps for Teachers

What teachers need are the right apps. Here are some smartphone apps that teachers can use inside and outside of the classroom.

Margins - This app helps teachers prepare for class faster and easier. It lets teachers take notes about what they read. This is very helpful when relating news and media to the class.
A Personal Assistant - What if a teacher can’t find a student assistant? If they have a smartphone, they can download A Personal Assistant. This can help organize thoughts, make a to-do list, and prepare a lesson plan.
Attendance Countdown - If teachers want to track students’ attendance, they can just download Attendance Countdown. It offers a countdown board and a calendar. This smartphone app also helps teachers keep on track with their curriculum.
Teacher Aide Pro Lite - Just like A Personal Assistant app, this app can help teachers in many ways in class. It provides all the organizational help a teacher needs.
TeacherKit - This app turns a teacher’s smartphone into a full-fledged personal digital assistant. It can record the grades of students, rank the students according to their grades, keep track of their attendance, and anything else a teacher needs. TeacherKit is quite useful!
Flashcards Deluxe & Flash Card Maker Pro - Although there are many educational apps out there that can help with flashcards, these two for iOS and Android are the best. Teachers or students can download about four million flashcard sets to help with teaching. They even have text-to-speech features, making the class lecture multisensory, instead of just a visual presentation.
WolframAlpha - This app is a search engine, but it is not the same as Chrome or Opera Mini. WolframAlpha lets teachers search for questions and offers direct answers, charts and graphs for many topics like mathematics, sociology, finance, history and geography.

Ni Luh Wayan Verayanti

Minggu, 05 Januari 2014

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