Mobile Technology

I opted to utilize Poll Everywhere.  Our school currently has a set of 90 ipods for teachers to check out and use with kids at school.  We typically use SMART Response for surveys or assessments using mobile devices.  The district has, however, begun to toss around the idea of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device).  Although such an implementation would need to be done with caution, I think it would have a great impact on learning and engagement.  I could definitely see using a tool like Poll Everywhere for less formal check-ins or surveys than what teachers do with SMART Response.  Currently I am working with teachers to develop SMART lessons with periodic check-in questions.  In addition to those types of activities with SMART Response, teachers in my building are also using the ipods as warm-up or exit activities.

I also use the Response system with teachers during staff meetings or professional development opportunities.  I could see using more mobile devices with staff, as the majority of them would have a cell phone or mobile device they could use to participate.  Integrating mobile devices into the learning environment has the power to offer more direct feedback for instructors and to engage learners.  

Integrating mobile devices can and has presented issues in the learning environment.  In our school, with 90 ipods, we have had issues when connecting multiple devices to the wireless network. Our wireless infrastructure is in the process of being re-vamped in order to accommodate more devices, as we have had some hiccups with neighboring teachers attempting to use mobile devices and netbooks simultaneously.  Our access points have gotten overloaded resulting in frustration in attempting to use mobile devices.  

If we were to allow students to use their own mobile devices, we open the door to a whole slew of potential issues.  We would have to set up a system that would safeguard our networks from students’ personal data.  The school or district would have to draft a very specific AUP if we did offer that students could bring their own devices.  It would be important to lay ground-rules for usage in order to ensure that these tools were enhancing the learning environment rather than becoming a distraction.