Mobile Environments for Learning

           Two mobile learning hardware devices peak my interest as far as advancing learning in the 21^st century.  When I first considered adult education I believed mobile learning would take place solely by way of laptop.  However, with the fast pace of technology, it seems laptops are just one of many ways to engage in learning.  I found learning can occur with some of the most popular mobile devices meant for leisure and entertainment that is via smart phone and iPads.  Due to the variety of options available I found there are a number of urls that can be explored.  As far as Smart Phones are considered I found at http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphone-reviews/, http://www.apple.com/iphone/, and http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us?ocid=sem_home&cmpid=sem_sewlZn9Ss_pcrid_16485399517_kwd_windows%20phone_pmt_e.   Smart phones are more than mobile phones, but mobile min-computers that allow users to access the internet, take photos, schedule events and important dates, and so many other tasks.  These tasks can all work in conjunction with the growing mobile learning trend. The second is very similar to the smart phone only in a larger format and capable of expanded tasks…the iPad.  The webpage is simple skip to the next tab or found directly at http://www.apple.com/ipad/. In short the iPad is a step between the iPhone and a laptop. There are at least as many applications available as on the smart phone and almost as many capabilities available as on a laptop. Whereas there are limited capabilities, where I have seen the iPad really come in handy has to do with a particular web based training platform we use at work called Adobe Connect.  
         
            As an example, I conduct trainings for our new collaboration and webinar tool and I noticed once the meeting is set up, basic tasks can be accomplished via a smart phone such as listening to the webinar, but even more tasks can be coordinated through the use of the iPad, such as conducting the webinar.  It seems we are just touching the edges of what is possible for remote training.  

Since the first introduction of Adobe training, my students were eager to move to a second level training which would involve the use of their Smart phones.  Both of these tools are what I consider the future of our webinar platform.  I am also considering both of these tools in my future creation of an adult community action class especially after consider two articles I read.  The use of a smart phone in my professional and community environment hold promise especially when I compare it to how Lemi demonstrates the “40 ways” schools can use cell phones (2012) and how Balasubramanian, Thamizoli, Umar, and Kanwar show how effective cell phones have been for the women of Southern India (2010).  Once I fully comprehend and can manipulate even half of all that learning platforms offer I plan to use them to post past, present, and future training or educational opportunities for my students to access via their smart phones. As far as the iPad is concerned, their use is becoming more and more popular.  Therefore after what I have seen in my Adobe Connect trainings, where again the smart phone will allow learners to hear and take part in presentations, the iPad allows the educator to conduct training.  This is not only advantageous for educators to be able to instruct from remote locations, but it allows for interaction with the Smart Board.  I have had one Adobe Connect training “graduate” already approach me on the wonders of using his iPad to conduct a webinar and how much more promise it holds.     

This is the exact future of training I look to move into where it is available virtually 24 hours a day.  As people are no longer limited to time and place for entertainment I believe trainings and collaborations need to follow suit. Before virtual meeting platforms were available I attempted to hold team meetings via email in order that team members who are limited in time do not have to attend a formal meeting and can still provide input over a day’s time period.  With the advent of collaboration or webinar applications, in conjunction with mobile devices, I plan to take advantage of such options in order to allow learners and peers to access important information at their own pace.  And with reports offered in applications I can track when the information was accessed. 

It seems each time technology is created to make life easier; something else comes along to fill the freed time.   Well with the virtual meetings and classrooms never out of reach due to mobile learning tools; score another minute or 30 for free time, yet to come.