Ed Tech Issues and Trends 2019: Mobile Devices in the Classroom

Photo taken by Lexie Flickinger on January 2, 2012 CC BY 2.0 Via Flickr

Retrieved from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/56155476@N08/6659976191

Stephens, K. K., & Pantoja, G. E. (2016). Mobile devices in the classroom: Learning motivations

predict specific types of multi-communicating behaviors. Communication Education, 65(4), 463–479. https://doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2016.1164876

Summary:

This article provides research on how learning motivations are linked to mobile device usage in the classroom to multi-communicate. Multi-communication is engaging in two or more overlapping conversations.
Student’s using their mobile devices for positive communication classroom behavior can be beneficial, but student’s using their mobile devices for distractable classroom behavior can take away from learning. Having on task discussions or debates can be constructive but texting side conversations or checking social media can take away from learning.
Rather than asking whether students are using mobile devices in the classroom, because we all know that they are, we need to be asking what are students doing when they are on their mobile devices in the classroom?

Assess/Evaluate:

This revised article is a research study using self-determination theory on mobile devices in the classroom. It focuses on linking learning motivations and multi-communicating behaviors with mobile devices being used in the classroom.

e/merge Africa. (2017 Jul, 20) Personal mobile devices in the classroom: opportunities

and challenges. Video File. YouTube. Retrieved From https://youtu.be/OAMRnUJROYI

Summary:

In this video, Cheryl discusses research from the UCT flexible learning “laptop” project and a Personal Mobile Devices project.
Focus Question: Does access to Personal Mobile Devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones improve the student learning experiences?
Mobile devices are making a big impact in school classrooms.

Assess/Evaluate:

This power point video was based off research projects.
This video went more in depth then the article but lengthy and a little difficult to hear even with my volume all the way up. I found myself having to rewind often to catch what was said.

Reflection mobile devices in the classroom:

Both the article and video thought it was important to ask not whether students were using mobile devices in the classroom but how they were using them. I agree with this question. I think technology can be a wonderful tool in the classroom but if not used properly it can be very distracting.

Jazmeir PrayearSeptember 21, 2019 at 1:34 AM
Hello Ashtan. I really like this topic, I think devices in the classroom is a great idea. The video supports the topic so well. Great post!
JFrombaughSeptember 22, 2019 at 6:10 PM
I also agree with the question, what are the students doing on their mobile devices rather than are they using them. I had one teacher in high school that didn't care if you used your phone once she was done talking as long as you got your work done. Many of the students seemed to get their work done just fine. Mobile Devices are going to be in the classroom, they just have to be managed well for every student to reach their potential.
Bailee ReitzSeptember 23, 2019 at 12:42 PM
I think there are possible benefits to having mobile devices in the classroom as long as it is managed and it was balanced with the other aspects of the classroom. Technology is a major part of the 21st century student and classroom but also we need to make sure students are engaging in social interaction and can manage without devices if they were in a scenario where they weren't available.
Mrs. Tammy MacekOctober 19, 2019 at 9:28 PM
To Ashtan from Carrie Carlson: Ashtan, I was fascinated by your topic of mobile devices within the classroom. I believe that they are beneficial, however, I agree that if they are not utilized properly they will consequently be distracting.