Tablets
Tablets have the
potential to enhance adult education in many different ways. This technology
provides learners with the capability of retrieving various types of
information, a form of communications, and the ability to use numerous
applications based upon the operating systems. Tablets come in different sizes
and types that allow the user to use a keyboard, built-in keyboards, or finger
swiped operations. Additionally, tablets offers users the same type of information
as a laptop computer but much lighter and manageable. The URL for tablet
information is https://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/why-surface/at-school.
I chose this form
of technology because it supports the adult learners’ efforts of retrieving
information in the classroom and has portable use accessibility for use
anywhere, anytime. There are many adult learners who fulfilling fulltime job
and furthering their education. The use of tablets provides these learners with
a lightweight form of technology that has the same capabilities as a laptop or
desktop computer. This technology offers the learner that ability to conduct
research, access their classroom information, and communicate with others. The
use tablets allow learners to access the internet through a means of Wi-Fi.
With this access, tablets offer the learner a means of passing information,
video sharing, creating presentations, and the use of educational apps. Caballé,
Xhafa, and Barolli (2010) pointed out that mobile devices can easily
communicate with other devices of the same or similar type, enabling learners
to share data, files and messages. They can also be connected from anywhere at
any time to a shared data network, further enhancing possibilities for
communication. Having these capabilities makes the learner relevant to any
changes within the classroom, this keeps the learner abreast of all changes by
collaborating with other class members. The lightweight style of tablets allow
adult learners to carry them anywhere with the ability to access their
information through the internet.
In my profession,
there are some classes where students use tablets. The organization has
specific military applications on the tablets where students access different
types of training situations. These programs allow students to collaborate
within specified groups where students provide input to the programs.
Additionally, students use the tablets for access to gaming where they encounter
different military situational training. Another means of incorporating tablets
within my professional practice is the use for cooperative learning where
students are given tasks that they must work within groups to accomplish. Using
tablets as a means of communications allows the learners to research their
specific portions of the project and allow compilation of the final
projects.
MP3/ MP4
MP3/ MP4 (http://www.cnet.com/topics/mp3-players/ and http://www.real.com/resources/mp4-
players/) is another emerging mobile technology that enable adult learners
to research information anywhere, anytime. This form of technology is made by
different companies that support learners by providing them with the ability to
download and upload videos, music, and other recordings. Apple is one example
that produces the IPod. This device is in the form of MP3 format where the user
has the ability to record and download music where he/she can store that music
because of the space provided. Additionally, this technology offers the user to
access the information when needed.
I chose MP3/ MP4
devices as a form of mobile technology that supports the adult learner because
of the ability to access information anywhere, anytime. These devices enable
the adult learner with capability of retrieving and storing information on a
mobile device where the leaner has the ability to re-visit what he/she recorded
or uploaded. Adult learners can create playlists of different types of
recording and videos. This is especially important for recording classroom
lectures or other important information. Bonk (2009) acknowledged how the
emergence of mobile and wireless technologies for learning which place
educational opportunities literally in the learner’s hands and allow him to
schedule learning when he wants it has paralleled the growing acceptance of a
more learner-centered educational philosophy. Such m-learning and u-learning
technologies are deemed ripe for learner-centered activities because they
provide for more flexibility and choice in the learning process. The use of
this mobile device has the ability to enhance adult learning with all of the
features the MP3 possesses. Students can access audio books for research and
play those books whenever needed. All of these features offer the learner the
ability of accessing vital information to assist in their learning.
In my profession,
this is a great form of technology. The use of MP3/ MP4 devices allow our
learners to research information through audiobooks. Additionally, the
technology supports the learners by allowing them to record classroom
information for sharing with their peers. These devices supports the need of
the learner by allowing them to download videos relevant to their training and
provide them with additional support for group presentations. Another use for
device is that it offers our learners the ability to do self-recordings of
their presentations for peer evaluations.
to support online collaborative learning. Mobile Information Systems, 6(1), 27-47. doi:10.3233/MIS-2010-0091
Thanks for sharing info about these mobile devices. The MP3/ MP4 devices are great for my students to practice their listening and pronunciation. Listening is one of the most difficult skills for my students. It is excellent that they can record and listen for instance podcast or watch videos in which English is regularly used. The audiobooks are also great alternatives to reinforce pronunciation and listening comprehension.
ReplyDelete