Mobile and Digital Tools
Learning on Every Device
Mobile apps (applications) and digital tools are mechanisms that can be used on mobile devices (phones, handheld PCs, tablets, iPad, netbooks, etc.) to deliver educational instruction and activities. By leveraging learner’s mobile technologies (bring your own device or BYOD) educators can support more flexible and distributed learning experiences in the classroom and in the field.
There are thousands of mobile apps and digital tools, with more being developed every day. Some are specifically designed for learning and some can be adapted for learning purposes. Determining what app to use can be difficult, but the key to success is keeping the outcome/objective in mind and having options since not every learner will have the same device.
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There are thousands of mobile apps and digital tools, with more being developed every day. Some are specifically designed for learning and some can be adapted for learning purposes. Determining what app to use can be difficult, but the key to success is keeping the outcome/objective in mind and having options since not every learner will have the same device.
Learn More
What is the purpose/value of mobile apps/digital tools?
For Faculty/Employees
Mobile apps and digital tools can be used to organize and inform learners, as well as provide new ways to engage learners in content, with each other and the instructor. Structuring the use of mobile technology for educational purposes helps to reduce time off task and distractions. Finally, instructors using mobile technologies can free themselves from the traditional lecture podium/station by using projection from a device to the presentation screen.
For Students
Mobile technology provides learners with opportunities to learn anywhere and anytime. The use of real-world technology and applications aligns with their preferences for learning and interacting with the world. Research also supports (ECAR) that learners are looking to instructors and institutions for more ways to use mobile devices for their learning.
For Faculty/Employees
Mobile apps and digital tools can be used to organize and inform learners, as well as provide new ways to engage learners in content, with each other and the instructor. Structuring the use of mobile technology for educational purposes helps to reduce time off task and distractions. Finally, instructors using mobile technologies can free themselves from the traditional lecture podium/station by using projection from a device to the presentation screen.
For Students
Mobile technology provides learners with opportunities to learn anywhere and anytime. The use of real-world technology and applications aligns with their preferences for learning and interacting with the world. Research also supports (ECAR) that learners are looking to instructors and institutions for more ways to use mobile devices for their learning.
Resources
Remind101Remind101 is a FREE and safe way for instructors/programs to text message learners. Set-up classes, invite students and send out notifications (including photos, videos, voice clips, etc.) while always keeping personal cell numbers private. Send messages to any device, including SMS-only phones.
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QR StuffQR Stuff is a tool that creates QR (Quick Response) Codes so that instructors, institutions, programs and presenters can quickly share materials and resources with learners or other audiences using a mobile readable barcode. With one scan QR Codes can send email messages, open web addresses to materials/content or share maps, videos, digital business cards, and more!
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QuizletQuizlet is a free (limited features) app to create interactive study sets and let learners practice with flashcards, matching, spelling, sample tests and other activities. Instructors can create sets and share them with a specific class OR learners can create their own sets. Quizlet can be accessed on iOS iPhone, Android, Windows Phone and a variety of other devices.
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PeriscopePeriscope is a free app that allows instructors or learners to create live and replayable broadcasts to individuals or the whole world. This is a great tool for creating instructional videos, in-the-field reports, video journals, interviews, role-playing, storytelling and more. Periscope is available on iOS and Android devices.
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Other app repositories for education can be found at:
- Bloomin Apps offers apps organized by Bloom’s Taxonomy.
- Learning in Hand provides resources, reviews, app evaluation rubrics and more.
Toolboxes
Wide World of Mobile Learning
Check out the Crossroads Lesson Design web site to explore, rate and share apps for iOS, Android and other digital devices. Throughout this site you will find technology tools organized by lesson design standards. Educators contribute apps, as well as rate and comment on ways to use the apps in the classroom. This framework makes it easier to sort through and find useful apps.
Check out the Crossroads Lesson Design web site to explore, rate and share apps for iOS, Android and other digital devices. Throughout this site you will find technology tools organized by lesson design standards. Educators contribute apps, as well as rate and comment on ways to use the apps in the classroom. This framework makes it easier to sort through and find useful apps.