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ERIC Number: EJ1020178
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: N/A
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0145-9635
EISSN: N/A
Mobile Schools for a Mobile World
Booth, Susan
Independent School, v72 n2 Win 2013
Overwhelmingly, independent schools are embracing mobile devices--laptops, iPads or other tablets, and smartphones--to enhance teaching and learning. This article describes the results of the "NAIS 2012 Mobile Learning Survey." Among its findings were that 75 percent of NAIS-member schools currently use mobile learning devices in at least some grades, and an additional 12 percent are actively planning to use them. Thirty-five percent of schools use a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model in at least some grades, and a significant number of schools have 1:1 computer programs in at least some grades. Among schools that use mobile learning devices, close to 70 percent use iPads for teaching and learning purposes--although the use of devices varies by grade level. With the existence of a digital divide among school-age children nationally, many schools find they need to consider equity and access when implementing mobile device programs. Thirty-five percent of schools that currently use mobile learning devices offer financial aid for these devices to families who receive financial aid for tuition and other school expenses. Of the schools that are actively planning to use mobile learning devices, 43 percent plan to provide financial aid to cover the cost of these devices. Independent school administrators believe in the transformative potential of mobile learning. Overall, while survey respondents indicate that they have achieved some benefits to date (e.g., 90% agree that the use of mobile devices such as laptops, iPads/tablets, and smartphones can transform how students learn), they identify several areas that offer opportunities for improvement. Independent school administrators view equalizing access to the Internet and Web 2.0 tools, making learning accessible to students from any location at any time, and helping schools present themselves as technologically savvy as strengths of their mobile learning initiatives. Respondents also say that there are opportunities for growth in teaching and learning practices that will help their schools realize the transformative potential of mobile devices. A sidebar by Jenni Swanson Voorhees lists tips under the headings: (1) Let pedagogy lead, iPads follow; (2) Let the planning process serve as a catalyst for clarifying goals and objectives; and (3) Create a culture of collaboration and growth among teachers and among students.
National Association of Independent Schools. 1620 L Street NW Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-793-6701; Tel: 202-973-9700; Fax: 202-973-9790; Web site: http://www.nais.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A