Mobile Educational Technology

Abstract

Mobile devices such as laptop computers, PDAs (personal digital assistants), and cell phones offer many features useful for learning both inside and outside classrooms. These devices offer access to Web pages and e-mail, and provide other functions such as textual noting and video cameras. They promise a single, easily learned device that can be useful in a variety of educational settings. When used appropriately, these devices can enrich the learning experience by connecting learners with each other, their environment, and with information providers. They can enable collaborative problem solving by providing easy face-to-face sharing of data through IR (infrared) beaming or distance sharing through e-mail and Web interfaces. For learners who require repetitive practice for skills development, mobile devices offer a personal tool that can be used anytime, anywhere for quick review. Because of their low cost and ease of use, mobile devices have the potential to bring the power of a computer to every learner.