Kolowich, S. (2009) The mobile campus Inside Higher Education, Sept 21
In Abilene Christian University’s 2008-2009 Mobile-Learning Report Scott Perkins, a psychology professor and director of research for the mobile initiative, writes that “iPhones present a more attractive platform for learning” than current classroom tools, and “learning activities can be successfully transitioned to mobile-device platforms.” Furthermore, 89 percent of students and 87 percent of faculty polled called the program successful.
Perkins said “We could do this study for 10 years, and then maybe we could talk about statistical significance,” he said. “That’s just simply a function of the sample size.” In order to generate data that would comment widely on the uses and effectiveness of mobile technology on campuses, Perkins added, the study would have to partner with other institutions.
See also Guess, A. (2008) Apples for all Inside Higher Education, March 5
Dr. Tony Bates is the author of eleven books in the field of online learning and distance education. He has provided consulting services specializing in training in the planning and management of online learning and distance education, working with over 40 organizations in 25 countries. Tony is a Research Associate with Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s Distance Education & Training Network.
I don’t know about this . . . integrating iPhones or mobile devices would mean catering to already shrinking attention spans and further inhibiting communication skills. Kids are already turning in homework with text abbreviations. Why make it worse? Plus what about kids in lower income schools?