Mobile Devices

 

Mobile Devices

Having the ability to research and analyze data at our fingertips is made possible by mobile devices (Walden University, 2012). Well over half of American adults utilize wireless mobile devices. These include laptops and cell phones. The various uses of mobile devices have increased since 2009. More laptop and cell phone owners are using their devices for a wider range of capabilities than simply phone calls and text messages (Smith, 2010).

iPads

Many advantages unfold with the use of iPads in the classroom. The physical aspect of iPads is intriguing for students. iPads are light weight and smaller than computers (Drozdek et al., 2020). They can be easily stashed away in a backpack while leaving plenty of room for textbooks and other materials.

iPads allow interaction throughout the classroom between students and between students and instructors. They have the capabilities to connect to the internet and research as necessary. During lectures, student can write directly on their iPad to take notes on presentations. All of the class content and whatever notes the students add can be stored in one place for easy organization. Other benefits of iPads include capabilities of email, download files, research, cameras, save paper, etc. iPads have most capabilities of a cell phone which can be an advantage and a disadvantage. Instructors are not able to control the content or searches conducted (Drozdek et al., 2020).

Smart Phones

There is a controversy whether smart phone should be used in the classroom or not. Controversy or not, smart phones can be used to enhance learning in the classroom. Smart phones allow speedy research, immediate answers, ease of communication, and aid in collaboration (Salcines-Talledo, 2022).

Smartphone can positively impact academic performance. Students generally have a smart phone at their side and can efficiently pull them out for use. Personalized applications can be beneficial in the classroom. Most instructors do not give out their personal cell phone numbers to students for obvious reasons. Certain applications can be used for communication or collaboration purposes. Instead of banning cell phones, we can utilize them for education purposes. Many other applications such as social networking can be used to enhance learning (Wei et al., 2024).

Domjanic Drozdek, S., Feher Turkovic, L., Mojsovic Cuic, A., & Digula, O. (2020). The Role of the iPad Tablet in Higher Education Science Teaching. Pedagogical Research, 5(1).

Salcines-Talledo, I., González-Fernández, N., Díaz-Herrera, L., & Area-Moreira, M. (2022). Smartphones in Higher Education. A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Comunicar: Media Education Research Journal, 30(72), 111–122.

Smith, A. (2010). New Internet & American Life Project: Mobile access 2010.Links to an external site. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2010/07/07/mobile-access-2010

Walden University, LLC. (2012c). Mobile learning. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com

Wei, D., Guo, R., & Talib, M. B. A. (2024). Academic Use of Smartphones and Academic Performance in Higher Education: A Systematic Review. Educational Administration: Theory and Practice, 30(1), 68–83. https://doi.org/10.52152/kuey.v30i1.883