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| by TZA on Flickr |
Each month, I author a blog post on the GETinsight blog, part of Cisco Systems' GETideas.org network, about a topic relevant to educational innovation.
This month, I am exploring the relationship between cognitive brain research and mobile learning -- not a topic a claim to be an expert on, but certainly one I've been pondering quite a bit lately. From my own mobile learning experiences, I find a much a higher rate of retention and deep learning when I am a mobile learner (usually on a walk or in a quiet place at a time that is convenient for me) versus in a scheduled, face-to-face setting. Mobile learning seems to meet the human brain's craving for multisensory experiences and offers the opportunity to, well, be mobile and engage in physical activity while learning -- which is kind of like sprinkling your brain with vitamin powder.
I hope you'll venture on over to the blog post here, take a gander, and join in on the VoiceThread conversation I've set up. Hope to "see" you soon!
Hi, Michelle: I think that this is very worthy of exploration! Mobile apps can help users engage and interpret experience/material from their own perspective, which could help activate learning. Because you can use apps to maximize engagement, I am thinking that there is the likelihood of extra "rehearsal" on material/concepts...which can increase the rate of learning/deepen understanding. So, I am thinking that the personalization and rehearsal really could factor into brain-based learning. What do ya think? kg
ReplyDeleteHi KG, it's great to hear from you. Happy new year. Glad to hear you agree. I think it's a pretty easy idea to support if you're one who relies upon mobile devices for your own lifelong learning (like you and I). I'm a strong advocate for using mobile technology within an institutional settting for meetings, communications, and professional development, as I think the more educators (an inclusive word intended to encompass everyone who works at a college/university/school) participate in our new mobile society, the more we all work partner in becoming advocates for using mobile learning in class and across campus for our students.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the "personalization and rehearsal" ideas you have touched upon. Mobile learning provides opportunities for increasing the scaffolding of learning to a student's individualized needs. "Time on task" takes us right back to Chickering and Gamson too. These are not new strategies, it's just a new way to implement them.
Thanks for your comment. When will we finally meet in person? :)
Michelle