Learning with Mobile and Handheld Technologies

As technology evolves, we are becoming ever more reliant on the use of handheld and mobile devices, yet what we know about their impact on learning is, as yet, limited. Whilst there has been a lot of interest in this type of technology, many schools aren’t exploiting it to their educational advantage.

Learning with Mobile and Handheld Technologies offers tried and tested examples of how technologies have been used in learning across schools, how the problems that inevitably arise have been solved, and offers ideas for the future. This invaluable book will provide teachers and educators with practical examples of the uses of mobiles and technology enhanced learning in educational contexts, and includes sections on:

• Issues surrounding the use of personal devices in schools, including: safeguarding, school management, rate of change, personal responsibility/ownership;
• The use of mobile technology in home and school environments;
• Cost-benefit assessment;
• The use of mobiles and handheld devices in core subject areas, including English, Mathematics, Science and MFL;
• The future possibilities of mobile technology in education.

Learning with Mobile and Handheld Technologies introduces the changes that are taking place within schools as a direct result of emerging technologies, and contains case studies with examples of best practice in a variety of settings including Primary, Secondary, and home and distance learning. The book also discusses themes of pedagogy, communication and affordances, collaborative learning, individual creativity and expression, self-directed and informal learning and outdoor education.

The learning potential of learning with handheld and mobile devices has excited teachers and educators, but until now there has been no structured, systematic overview available that gathers examples of best practice in, and out, of schools. This hugely practical book gathers many of the examples that are available, and brings them together to provide a clearer picture of what is currently a fragmented area.

John Galloway is an adviser, writer and consultant, specialising in ICT for SEN and Inclusion. He has worked with several local authorities and just about every sort of school. He has been involved in several projects that have used handheld devices with learners, and provides training for teachers and other staff at every level from beginner to post-graduate. He is the author of four Fulton titles.

Merlin John is a journalist who has written extensively about this field. Previously editor of The Times Educational Supplement’s Online magazine, he now manages his own website, www.agent4change.net, a source of information for using technology for learning.

Maureen McTaggart previously worked for TSL Education Limited, publisher of The Times Educational Supplement and the Times Higher Education Supplement. She is now a freelance writer, mainly in the field of ICT in education, and part-time in the publishing and communications departments at the School of Advanced Study, University of London.