Mobile+Technologies

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There are a variety of mobile technologies that have been developed for educational purposes and with the introduction of the iPhone, iPod,Google Android operating system and other handheld devices/operating systems, new applications are being created all the time. These applications include writing and publishing software, tools for multimedia creation and capturing of audio, video and images, communication tools, scientific probeware (see Pasco Probeware for instance) and handheld data collection/observation tools and even applications designed for augmented reality learning experiences.

**Uses of Mobile Technologies in Education**
The following list is just a few of the ways mobile technologies could be used in educational settings.
 * Scientific probeware to gather data, take measurements and record observations
 * Language arts activities such as writing and electronic publishing
 * Concept mapping to brainstorm, collaborate, organize information
 * Organizing information for assignments, tests and other pertinent events
 * Capturing images/video/sound during field trips or other field based activities
 * Augmented reality educational games that blend the real world with the virtual world

Obviously, smartphones can be used for communication between students, teachers and parents either by traditional voice or through text, SMS messages. Most smartphones come with digital cameras making them capable of reading QR codes, which can be used to transfer assignments and other information between students and teachers.

Educational Benefits of Mobile Technologies
One distinct advantage of mobile technologies is that they run on devices that are generally much cheaper than traditional desktop or laptop computers. In addition, many students, especially at the middle and high school level, already own a smartphone or other similar device capable of running a large variety of applications that can be used for educational purposes. Therefore, there is a huge potential cost saving in using mobile technology in that the hardware is much less expensive. Unfortunately, most schools still restrict student use of cellphones and other mobile devices making these technologies off limits to both teachers and students. Harnessing the full power of this type of technology will require a titanic shift in our thinking about cellphones and other handheld devices before it will become universally accepted and broadly applicable in schools.

Specific Ideas for using Mobile Technologies in a k-12 Setting
Click here to add or view a lesson plan or idea for using this technology in the classroom.

**Relevant Online Tools**

 * GoKnow has a large collection of mobile applications designed for educational settings. These applications come in multiple formats making them compatible with a wide range of handheld computing devices. The software isn't free but there are demos you can download before purchasing the full version.
 * Cinch allows you to capture images, spoken voice and video with a smartphone and post/share them with the world quickly.
 * Qik is an application you can use with your cellphone to capture and stream video instantly online. This could be a great way for students to record live events, interviews and other activities to be used to demonstrate learning across the curriculum. Videos can be made private and only shared with certain users if desired.
 * StoryKit is a tool you can use to read and create electronic books. You can type or record your story (if you have a microphone on your phone), upload images and even paint your own art for each page of your story.
 * StoryCubes has an iPhone app that allows you to play a great storytelling game. There are nine cubes that get "rolled" and show different images. The object of the game is to tell a story to incorporates all nine images.
 * Hipcast is one of the many podcasting tools that allows you to record audio through your cellphone to be shared with others through a blog or other online avenue.
 * Wiffiti is an interesting app that allows you to create a "screen" on the topic of your choice. Other users can then comment on that topic via text message or by typing a comment directly on the webpage created for your screen. It might be helpful to browse some of the screens available on the site to get a sense of how this looks. This could be a great way to conduct a conversation on different topics or even hold an online debate of sorts.
 * SCVNGR is a scavenger hunt/challenge game where you create a series of tasks for users to accomplish at different physical locations along a route. As users come within range of a new task they are automatically sent clues (identified by you) and given information about the next task to complete. This works with a variety of different smartphones through SMS, text and QR codes.
 * Poll Everywhere is one of the many polling tools that allows you to ask a question and get responses from other users via text message or the web.
 * Kaywa is a QR barcode generator that can be used to create a QR code for a website, phone number, text or SMS. You can also download a QR reader if necessary. Delivr and QR Stuff are also basic QR code creators.
 * Semapedia allows you to create a QR code from a Wikipedia page and create PDF versions out of them so you can print them and distribute them to students or place them in different physical locations. Currently, this only works with Wikipedia pages.
 * Drop.io is a file sharing collaboration tool. You can upload a variety of different kinds of files and share them directly with others through a unique URL.
 * Yodio allows you to upload your photos, taken with a cellphone or other digital camera, and add narration to each picture by recording your voice with your phone. You can then share your audio postcards or narrated photo albums with others online.

**Relevant Hardware**

 * There are a variety of manufacturers of scientific probeware/handheld devices designed to collect scientific data, run tests and record information. Companies such as Pasco, Vernier, The Concord Consortium and EyeThink are a few of the companies that sell probeware products. Of course, none of this stuff is free, which will make it out of reach for many teachers and schools.
 * There are a wide range of smartphones on the market that can be used to run an ever-growing supply of applications.
 * The Apple iPod Touch and iPad are capable of running many different mobile applications that could be used in educational settings.

**Relevant Articles or other Readings and Relevant Sources of Information (Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, Discussion Forums etc.)**
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 * From Toys to Tools is an excellent blog to follow in the topic of cellphones in education.
 * add link