An "app" is short for software application, e.g.,Facebook's mobile app, and the term mobile education simply means the use of a variety of mobile technologies that attempt to offer a range of opportunities to improve learning through teaching, assessment and education management. An organisation that has quickly realised the potential and significance of apps to transform life is the not for profit organisation Apps for Good started in 2009 by Rodrigo Baggio. This organisation provides courses to children and teachers, courses comprising of idea generation, feasibility, marketing and business model design. Their vision is simply, to empower people to improve their life and become problem solvers, tech entrepreneurs so that they can develop apps that change the world for the better.
With the rapid growth of mobile phones in countries like Nigeria, mobile education and the use of apps offers educators and students access to e-books, learning collaboration, learner tutor communication, evidence collection, e-portfolios, e-assessment and progress monitoring and assignment planning. Apps not only support these trends but are increasingly being used in emerging countries in Africa to disseminate health education. Indeed, the smartphone growth in Africa has increased by 43% every year since 2000 with an expected 67% having internet access by 2014.
Impressive statistics also confirm how popular education apps have become. The iLearn report on Apple's app store discovered that 80% of the bestselling paid apps in education of the iTunes store were aimed at children. In addition, the report also found that 47% (2009) of top selling apps were targeted at children and and stated that this figure has increased to 72%.
GSMA, that represents mobile operators worldwide has highlighted six areas for mobile education. These areas are: vocational learning development, supporting students with special needs, out of classroom learning and collaboration, professional learning and development, enhanced language and literacy skills and connected learning for children. The USA has now positioned itself to reap $38b in sales by the year 2015 from mobile learning. The increase in apps is staggering with 500,000 apps available on iTunes and an extra 300,000 apps on offer on Android.
Though it is clear that apps will revolutionise learning, there must also be caution for educators and developers have to address a number of issues, the first of which is the protection of children in the digital age with its increased commercialisation. Will additional legislation need to be brought in? Probably, but global child protection policies need to be worked out. Another consideration that institutions have to consider is that of the device readiness of their mobile resources, especially when planning to use the latest interactive apps. These new technologies will require educators to understand the new learning styles of their students and their own new teaching styles. However, whilst these considerations need to be addressed we must remember that apps educate, empower and will create opportunities for all, especially marginalised groups.
Apps can deliver where political policies have failed to provide educational opportunities that children and young people deserve. Apps can provide 3-design, audio and graphics, thereby presenting an exciting interactive learning experience. For educators working in the special needs area, apps are already supporting their work by providing speech therapy, behaviour support and communication skills. Pictello and See,Touch, Learn. Pro and just two popular special needs apps on the market.
With the rapid growth of mobile phones in countries like Nigeria, mobile education and the use of apps offers educators and students access to e-books, learning collaboration, learner tutor communication, evidence collection, e-portfolios, e-assessment and progress monitoring and assignment planning. Apps not only support these trends but are increasingly being used in emerging countries in Africa to disseminate health education. Indeed, the smartphone growth in Africa has increased by 43% every year since 2000 with an expected 67% having internet access by 2014.
Impressive statistics also confirm how popular education apps have become. The iLearn report on Apple's app store discovered that 80% of the bestselling paid apps in education of the iTunes store were aimed at children. In addition, the report also found that 47% (2009) of top selling apps were targeted at children and and stated that this figure has increased to 72%.
GSMA, that represents mobile operators worldwide has highlighted six areas for mobile education. These areas are: vocational learning development, supporting students with special needs, out of classroom learning and collaboration, professional learning and development, enhanced language and literacy skills and connected learning for children. The USA has now positioned itself to reap $38b in sales by the year 2015 from mobile learning. The increase in apps is staggering with 500,000 apps available on iTunes and an extra 300,000 apps on offer on Android.
Though it is clear that apps will revolutionise learning, there must also be caution for educators and developers have to address a number of issues, the first of which is the protection of children in the digital age with its increased commercialisation. Will additional legislation need to be brought in? Probably, but global child protection policies need to be worked out. Another consideration that institutions have to consider is that of the device readiness of their mobile resources, especially when planning to use the latest interactive apps. These new technologies will require educators to understand the new learning styles of their students and their own new teaching styles. However, whilst these considerations need to be addressed we must remember that apps educate, empower and will create opportunities for all, especially marginalised groups.
Apps can deliver where political policies have failed to provide educational opportunities that children and young people deserve. Apps can provide 3-design, audio and graphics, thereby presenting an exciting interactive learning experience. For educators working in the special needs area, apps are already supporting their work by providing speech therapy, behaviour support and communication skills. Pictello and See,Touch, Learn. Pro and just two popular special needs apps on the market.
About the Author:
Learn more about education. Stop by David Simon's site where you can find out all about how to unlock your child's genius and what it can do for you.. This article, Apps And Mobile Education is available for free reprint.
0 komentar on Apps And Mobile Education :
Posting Komentar