Comments on: Mobile Phones: Better Learning Tools than Computers?

By: Grant

Grant — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:54:09 +0000

I have but one thing to say: ALL silver-bullet "solutions" will tarnish. An appropriate solution for any problem is almost always an alloy of various solutions, combined wisely. One of the biggest problems with the education system – other than that conservatives are trying to run it into the ground – is the continuous series false dichotomies which are debated ad nauseum. Negreponte's claim that OLPC's – as they are currently delivered – are all anyone needs is as invalid as the claim that they are worthless. The point is that we need systems that can migrate relatively seamlessly across a multitude of tools and platforms. Even that won't be the be-all-end-all solution. We will still need flexible platforms that can be used in many different ways and in many different environments.

By: learningideasforlife

learningideasforlife — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:29:00 +0000

M-Ubuntu http://www.m-ubuntu.org uses inexpensive, low threshold mobile phones in literacy initiatives in under-sourced schools in South Africa. Any phone in South Africa today can serve, at least, as a data collecting device for project-based learning. If the phone has a Micro SD card slot, the device can serve the purpose of a digital library, storage of paragraphs on e-books, image and video database of additional learning material and space for short paragraphs and notes. All these, independent of mobile service providers. In fact, if any transmission of files is required between teacher and student, BLUETOOTH becomes a viable solution.

[youtube xXtWctTml8A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXtWctTml8A youtube]

By: sherilyn122455

sherilyn122455 — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 21:49:47 +0000

We're definitely seeing a trend towards mobile phone services in the education sector. As previously discussed, the iPhone was an important factor, but the Linux-savvy tech students are really setting it off with the Android platform. Microsoft is putting some emphasis on this sector for their launch of Windows 7 Phone coming up soon as well.

By: Geeta

Geeta — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:47:15 +0000

Very interesting discussion above. However, when you look at rural India, the mobile phone coverage far out numbers that of computers. Therefore, when using ICT in rural India, it is best to approach the learners with the "known" technology which is the mobile phone and then take them to the aspirational technology "computers" and the use of Internet. We've found through numerous studies that the adoption of mobile phones is much higher and cuts across barriers of age, culture, and literacy skills. T

By: Ingotian

Ingotian — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:17:22 +0000

"I do prefer the "real" keyboard and larger screen of the netbook". So how long before a cell phone has a USB keyboard and the possibility to connect to a large monitor? My G-phone is almost there now. USB 3? Intel's optical USB? Phone, one connector and then any peripheral you care to name. I'm quite looking forward to ditching my netbook and desktop. Actually a "dumb" netbook that I slotted my G-phone into when I needed a bigger screen and keyboard would be ideal and certainly not beyond to-days technology never mind tomorrows. Children will get distracted by almost anything. Maybe some of the distractions actually provide a more effective learning experience

By: Krishna Moorthy

Krishna Moorthy — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:26:09 +0000

I fully agree with Alan. Comparison is not right. The thing that is happening is that the Mobile Phone try to mimic all that is possible as the net connected PCs. Laptops try to reach out all that is possible with mobile phones. Photo Frames try to go beyond Home usage. If Educational loads (Text/Audio/Video) get into Mobile Network it will collapse. It can be used only for interactiveness. Bluk Delivery should br through cheap Flash drives.

By: Wayan

Wayan — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:44:50 +0000

I think the iPod Touch offers a somewhat similar experience, though as an iPhone and netbook user, I do prefer the "real" keyboard and larger screen of the netbook. In fact, I'm looking for an external iPhone keyboard after this comment.

But I don't think you should assume the iPod Touch doesn't have phone-like distractions. Skype works quite well on the iPod Touch and would offer more, not less, opportunities for distraction than an SMS-only mobile phone.

By: Louise Duncan

Louise Duncan — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:13:52 +0000

Hello. The burning question on my mind now is which device should we be purchasing/ subsidising for our students. I teach in a rural Government School in Victoria, Australia. We have a mandate to reach 1-to-1 computing for our students in years 9-12 by 2011. The device of choice for our education department is a netbook. These will all have network access in the school. Over the last 12 months, I have also been trialling the use of the iPod Touch with my entire class of students to explore their educational potential. These devices do not create the same issues of distraction from learning that a mobile phone does and have revolutionised my students connectedness to their learning. Netbook or iPod Touch…what do you think?

By: Inevitable: Mobile Phone Inspired Educational Change « Educational Technology Debate

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:20:27 +0000

[...] and phones is like comparing “apples and oranges”, we can (and will) eat both, as Allen suggests. But, for the sake of this debate, let’s stick with the artificial choice of [...]

By: Computers Are Better than Mobile Phones – For Now « Educational Technology Debate

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:12:08 +0000

[...] While mobile phone penetration is soaring, these are basic phones, not high-end iPhones, and Alan argues it will be a long time before we see a switch from one to another: While mobile phones’ usage [...]