Mobile Learning

I participated in an interesting Twitter chat (#txeduchat) last night about mobile learning with @kevin_corbett. What is it? How has it changed learning? Now, I'll admit, I'm probably over thinking this, but here are my thoughts.

First of all, I don't like all these educational catch phrases and fads. I really don't like the term 21st century learner/skills. I can't stand it when someone asks me what I think the 21st century library should look like. I am so tempted to describe it as a scene from Star Wars or Star Trek (both of which do have librarians and libraries, I might add). That being said, I don't believe that mobile learning is a 21st century skill. If you define mobile learning as learning on the go (which I do), then you will realize that mobile learning is timeless. Humans have been learning on the go for a long time. Explorers like Lewis and Clark were mobile learners. Their tools were different, but they were learning on the go. I stated in the chat, rather facetiously, that my favorite mobile learning device is a book. That is seconded by my journal and pen. I can read and learn, observe and record from anywhere at anytime with these tools just like explorers of old.

After much reflection on this topic, I realized what is truly meant by mobile learning in the 21st century is access to information. Now this has truly changed and revolutionized how we learn. Because of digital devices and wireless internet, accessing information is easier and faster than it has ever been. Anyone with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop can access information, read and process the information (learn), observe and record findings, and invent and create new products.

So now I must change my definition of mobile learning. It is the ability to access information anywhere at anytime using a digital device and wireless internet connection. I grudgingly agree that this is a 21st century skill only because we have not had digital devices and wireless access like we do today. What has changed in the 21st century are the tools and the ability to access information readily.

Whatever the tool and means, I am in favor of mobile learning. It is an exciting development in education, and we educators need to embrace it.