The Benefits and Challenges of Mobile and Ubiquitous Technology in Education

Abstract

Technology has evolved and continues to evolve at a rapid pace, allowing access to learning wherever and whenever students need, creating a ubiquitous learning environment. This rapid evolution of technology will require preparation of students for the 21st century, including post-secondary students, necessitating a fundamental and systematic change in how schools are organized for ubiquitous learning. For mobile learning technologies to truly facilitate student learning and prepare students for learning beyond the 21st century, a paradigm shift in teaching and learning is needed. Ubiquitous computing environments should be viewed through the lens of the learner and the learning environment in which all students have access to mobile learning devices anytime, anywhere, thus transcending the boundaries of the classroom. Integration of m-learning and ubiquitous technology in the K-20 classroom will require a new pedagogical framework for teaching and learning. At the heart of this framework is the classroom teacher: a teacher who is aware of the benefits and challenges of technology in education. This chapter explores the benefits and challenges of this technology in education.