In the You Tube video,Travis Allen, has posted his thoughts on creating a iSchool initiative (Mobile learning) campaign to transform schools in America with the use of the iPod Touch.
The video clip begins with his rather subjective view on how the educational system in America is on the decline, with massive budget cuts and an increase in class sizes, causing the demise of quality education. Travis Allen, foresees the future of education wholly within this device.
He advocates a school without books, pencils and photocopiers. “There is no need for text books or library books as you can use the classics- graphic book reader to digitally access any book you need.” He then goes on to explain the features available to transform learning to meet the needs of student's in the 21st century. By identifying key applications (apps) that could be used for many subjects eg: the scientific calculator, World wiki and Star Walk he explains this will save time and money for schools and students. All of these are particularly easy to use with the touch screen interface.
It is well recognised a majority of classrooms are stuck in the 20th century and are causing a lack of engagement with the learning outcomes. My greatest concern is that this man seems to have forgotten the underlying principles of schools to create well rounded informed citizens that will be active members of society. Whilst he is advocating a new style of learning he has forgotten the social and communication skills that he has developed through the traditional schooling system.
If schools were to take up the sole use of iPod Touches aren't we creating a 'dumber' society who only need to be able to navigate this device? How are we as teachers going to inspire student's to work things out for themselves and make new discoveries.
There is no doubt that mobile media devices and their use in schools needs to be considered if educators are to bridge the technology gap between outside of school and classroom practices. In order to engage our students we need to adjust our pedagogy and make use of these ubiquitous devices. If educators keep the use of these tools in perspective, so student's can't continually “cocoon” (Ito in Squire, 2009) themselves in their own world of micro activity, this will ensure communication and social skills in future generations.
References
Allen, T, iSchool initiative (Mobile learning) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68KgAcx_9jU
Squire, K. (2009) Mobile media learning: multiplicities of place. On the Horizon, 17(1), 70-80. Retrieved September 11, 2010, from ProQuest Education Journals. (Document ID: 1636443441).
Comment by Karin.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Travis Allen’s view of the American educational system is very subjective and does not accurately represent the current situation. For instance, at http://www.classroom20.com/profiles/blogs/apple-itouch teachers discuss how some schools in America are currently using the iPod Touches to support teaching and learning.
However, I find some points that Travis raised quite relevant. I do believe that many schools are ‘stuck in the 20th century’ and that a ‘lack of engagement’ is problematic in many classrooms. Although, I would not advise a complete change to teaching and learning methods involving the sole use of iPod Touches. I believe we need a balance between new technologies and successful practices of old.
Banks are one example of how too much technology can be resisted by people. People still want to communicate with live people and that is why banks are now advertising that you can talk to a ‘real person’ on the phone instead of to a machine.
I feel iPod Touches are beneficial for use in the classroom but should not replace everything else. A combination of new and old technologies and resources in the classroom will support students’ needs whilst ensuring they continue to build relationships with other humans.
Technology is a tool and it is wonderful to have access to such technologies to assist learning but not replace learning.
ReplyDeleteIt is a sad that governments aspire to pass on the cost of education to corporations that would want people to buy their products.
Why is Australia following America's example when there are high achieving educational systems in Scandinavia that balance technology with other forms of learning? Their governments value education and fund it accordingly.
As for it being environmentally sound, you might save some paper but what about the electricity run by fossil fuels to power your gadgets or the toxic batteries that power iPads and are difficult to dispose of??
Keep things in balance. Governments should be responsible for education not corporations!