Mobile+Devices

 = Mobile Devices = Casey Keller

Description and Uses of Technologymedia type="custom" key="8962626" align="right"
Mobile devices is a term used to refer to a variety of devices that allow people to access data from where ever they are. This includes handheld devices or a computer that wirelessly connects for mobile phone use and also includes picture cameras, video cameras, games, calculators, music, navigation and much more (Wikipedia, 2011). Many of these uses can be operated using one device or may need individual devices, such that a navigation system could be used on a mobile phone or through a device that only has a navigation system. People are using mobile devices for work, homework, communication, and now leisure. The uses of mobile devices are growing rapidly with new touch pads that are used as essentially mobile computers, but lighter and smaller in size. Also helping to develop an even more useful mobile device is the launch of the new 4G wireless networks. 4G is up to 10x faster than 3G and the phone processors are getting faster also (Verizon, 2011).

Mobile devices work by using radio frequency to transfer calls, texts, TV, pictures, and downloads through RF Signals. These RF signals are sent to a base station where the network will then direct to signal to the other device or connections to the other base station that is needed. The strength of this signal is in relation to the distance of the station, the landscape of buildings and other objects in between the mobile device and the station, the operation frequency at any given time and the type of service the device is being used for (Vodafone, 2011).

Important Findings on Student Outcomes
====Because of the latest advancements in technology mobile devices are becoming more useful in the classroom. Teachers are starting to use these devices in the classroom and many studies suggest, when used correctly, mobile devices can be used in support of learning for students. To be 'used correctly' means that the activity at hand needs to be well organized and thought out for the students to be able to bridge the gap between the operation of the device and learning. Students need the right tools and support in order to learn from the use of mobile devices. The study done by Hwang was developed to show the learning outcomes of two groups of students using different programs on a mobile device to guide them through a museum. The outcome was that the students with the program that asked questions about an artifact and didn't give the students the answer when they were wrong allowed the students to take time to read and explore rather than giving them the answers as the other program did (Hwang, 2011). ====

==== One new popular hand help device being used in classroom for science and math exploration is the TI-Nspire. This device is a calculator that goes beyond just adding and graphing, but it can be used to run activities through the device for the students to explore a new topic and includes a navigation program. Through these devices students are able to connect wirelessly to each other, but not through web browsing and chatting. Instead the student and teacher are able to communicate and this helps the students stay engaged and on track with the lesson or activity at hand (Zelkowski, 2011). ====

====Mobile devices can also be used for English instruction for English language learners. A program designed for PDAs called Computer Assisted language learning CALL was used for an instant translation for the English language learners. When this device is used the English language learners reading comprehension was seen to increase and they enjoyed using the system and they found it easy to use ( Chih-Kai, 2011). Another article suggested that the use of mobile devices for listening and speaking practice was very useful (Kukulska-Hulme, 2010). Most devices are now very user friendly, and with exposure and use becomes very easy to use. ====

Emerging Trends and Open Issues
There are always up and coming trends associated with Mobile Devices because of the fact that the technology for these devices are constantly changing and improving. We are now starting to see mobile devices for use of Health Care Programs (Gebb, 2010). We see them for use of gaming now because of the faster download and surfing speeds.

Mobile devices are also seen lower and higher education programs using a new type of mobile device used for mobile book readers. These devices keep all of your books on the hard drive and can wirelessly download thousands of books on a lightweight device to be carried almost anywhere. Some schools are now going green by using these readers for their text. These readers can be used just as you would use a text you could physically hold, with some added bonuses. These readers allow you to turn pages, save paper, carry thousands of texts in one device, allows you to search for words, and even gives definitions.

One major issue with Mobile devices being used in the classroom is that they could be distractions. Cell phones are not allowed in many classrooms because students are using them to text and surf the internet when the teacher is teaching. This is seen in many grades and even at the college level. Because mobile devices can be distracting educators need to set ground rules and expectations of their students for when they use them, as well as provide them with an activity that will keep them engaged and on track.

Children are in a way telling how they want to learn. It has been found that children are spending a lot of time using mobile devices and therefore there is a connection with the popularity and the increased interest in learning through them in a classroom setting (Norris, 2010). This emerging generation is part of the largest technological boom and from commercials and such we see that businesses are pushing for the next best device, which could mean students will always be interested in new technologies, such as the iPad, that comes out as another way for teachers to educate.