Let's go mobile...No WAIT a minute

A recent study by Ruder Finn, an independent public relations agency, reviews some interesting data regarding mobile phone usage. Interesting enough that my brainstorming started, and was ready to buy a bunch of iPhones so that we could begin getting more classes "delivered" through the mobile web. Things like "91% of mobile users go online to socialize, compared to only 79% of traditional users" with 82% of Americans have mobile phones (different source)--got me really excited about some new possibilities. That was quickly dampened by some information in the middle of the report:

Quote:

• Mobile phones are not a learning tool. Mobile users (76%) are much less likely than all users (92%) to go online to learn. Learning requires time and patience, something mobile phone users are in short supply of.
  • They (64%) are 1.5 times less likely than the traditional user (96%) to go online to educate themselves
  • They (64%) are 1.4 times less likely than the traditional user (94%) to go online to research.
  • They (95%) are more likely than the traditional user (86%) to go online to keep informed.

• Mobile phones aren't used for creative expression. Mobile users are 1.3 times less likely to personally express themselves online (42%) compared to traditional users (54%). The transitory nature of their intents speaks against spending the time to engage in discussions about personal issues while using their mobile phones.
  • They (41%) are 1.7 times less likely than the traditional user (70%) to go online to opine.
  • They (24%) are 1.8 times less likely than the traditional user (44%) to go online to be creative.

Unquote

So if 82% of Americans have mobile phones, and 92% do social web type stuff, but due to the nature of their interactions aren't up to learning and creative expression...I think I'll wait on this endeavor. Let's stick to short bursts of interaction that focus in on transitory nature of the users, letting the content flow over them in their rivers of information (like pop quiz questions for points through SMS).

But what about iPad?

Thank you ReadWriteWeb for the reference.

Teaching Naked

Last July, an interesting article was published in the Chronicle about how technology is used in the classroom, and what happens if we remove "computers" out of the environment. José A. Bowen, dean of the Meadows School of the Arts at Souther Methodist University, did just that to see what would happen. He discusses his findings in the video below (from the Chronicle website). He is not a technophobe, but disucusses how technology can extend the classroom, as opposed to replacing the classroom. There is a lot of good that can happen in the classroom, maximize that good, and use the technology to extend the good.

College Board looks at minority issues

As part of it's diversity initiatives, the College Board released a report this week entitled "Educational Crisis Facing Young Men of Color." The report brings together 2 years of conversations regarding issues of color, with recommendations, and highlights of successful programs.

Other reports issued include:

• Resources for Increasing Latino Participation and Success in Higher Education
• Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders—Facts, Not Fiction: Setting the Record Straight

All are related to ECC's Achieving the Dream initiatives.

25 Practical Ideas for Using Mobile Phones In The Classroom

The customary rule of thumb is that all cell phones should be turned off once a student has entered the classroom. This article demonstrates some practical uses of a cell phone in the classroom. Take a look and see what you think!

Ludo ergo sum; Disco ergo sum

Alright, so that headline makes me giggle but according to one site that would be something like "Play therefore I am; Learn therefore I am"...but I'm sure readers will correct me on this as needed.

The other day I was in a game store and came across a new game called Ergo. It's a game where players create 4 premises, and after someone plays an "ergo" card, what ever variables have been proven get points.

I've not yet been able to play, and have currently loaned the game to a logic teacher, but it seems elegant, if not a brain burner. Definitely worth a look if you are trying to teach students a little about logic.