The idea of using mobile phones as a teaching aid is presently under evaluation by a pilot study at the Howick College.
The “mLearning” pilot at Howick College that will be all about students making use of free software for converting computer files into cell phone study notes has already attracted attention worldwide.
From in.news.yahoo.com:
Students can solve a question using PowerPoint, or a video assignment to film and edit through Microsoft’s MovieMaker.
The result is condensed into a format that can be transferred on to any cell phone with a media player.
“The kids love it because they have it in their pocket – it’s a psychological thing as well as a study thing because they know that help is, literally, a click away,” Stuff.co.nz quoted Howick College teacher Nathan Kerr, as saying.
Kerr’s innovative method allows students to search Google for a free video converter or convert PowerPoint presentations via WonderShare freeware to get content on their phones.
“We’re a lot more innovative and part of the reason is many teachers in New Zealand are given a free hand, with guidelines, while overseas your professional development as a teacher has been worked out by experts – it’s top down,” added Kerr.
It was remarked by Waikato University education lecturer Noeline Wright that this idea bent on education may turn to be a good idea as children are already very comfortable using these tools.
Tags: education, mobile phones, study notes, teaching
