M Learning – Why don’t we take it?

M learning is one of the most promising areas in today’s educational scenario. It has been praised for its time efficiency, reach and convenience. Moreover, as I had mentioned in my previous post on mobiles, m learning promises to be an extremely child-friendly technology and will lead them where we want them to be in their own way. However, we are unable to embrace this technology wholeheartedly. After interacting with many educators, I was able to identify 3 reasons for the apprehensive outlook:

• Fear
• Attitude
• M learning development across multiple OS

With respect to fear, many teachers are scared of using technology in class. They feel that they might be embarrassed in front of their students if they project their inability to use technology. In my view, this is no excuse to shy away from m learning. Teachers must change their outlook toward integrating tech with education. Teachers must step down from their “platform” and mix with the kids and learn technology along with them. How can a person be a good teacher if he/she is not a good learner?

Attitude is another great cause of concern which hinders the growth of m learning. Many teachers are content with the available resources and say that if these were good enough for them in their days; it should be good enough for them. This is unfortunately not true. Kids of today are living in an entirely different environment and are digital natives. Teachers must aspire to embrace change and adapt themselves accordingly for the learner’s sake.

Although the third point is not directly related to teaching this is another cause of concern when it comes to developing m learning tools. M learning tools of today lack compatibility with respect to multiple platforms. There are many m learning applications for iOS and not a fraction of it for other operating systems. Since iphones are beyond the reach of many, in terms of economy and preference, m learning is still under the covers. Development of learning materials compatible with multiple OS should improve the reach and appreciation of m learning.

Will you take m learning?

Video Games – Child’s Play

This post is a summary and a reflection of my thoughts on this week’s #ptchat. Gaming has evolved over a period of time and has now become an integral part of childhood.

The #ptchat convo began on an apprehensive note with tweeps expressing their concern over the degree of violence in games. As an ex-gamer I have seen and played many such games. These games do have a serious impact on kids. As @StressFreeKids mentioned, these games have physiological and psychological effects on them.

Parental guidance is extremely important when it comes to selection of games for kids. Games do come with warning stickers but who reads them. Many parents don’t know what these games contain. Parents must look for the ESRB rating on games before they get them for kids. Sometimes kids bring game discs from their friends and even these must be checked by parents before they let them play.

 

However, not all video games are to be shunned. Video games can prove to be an excellent resource for developing many skills. In my opinion, these games can be used as a dynamic tool to enhance creativity and learning skills in kids. Video games are not just any visual medium, but it is that which can be controlled by the kids. Game-based learning is now gaining momentum and I have observed significant improvement in learning, understanding and retention abilities in kids. I’ll be sharing my experience on gaming and learning in subsequent posts.

Agree/disagree with me? Do share your views with me here.