Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-woman-with-pupils-in-classroom-5905557/
Learning experiences have changed drastically over the past decades. Right now, we are seeing the teacher-learner relationship move from traditional classrooms to virtual ones. The shift was accelerated further in the past years when asynchronous learning modes were utilized when face-to-face classes were deemed risky.
Even though the world has moved on from distance learning, the tools and methods that were used to conduct remote classes remain. And as the mobile penetration rate continues to increase, the future of education now rests (in a literal sense) in the palms of teachers and their students.
Why Use Mobile Devices for Teaching?
It’s difficult to ignore the impact mobile learning has brought to the table. Educators need to learn as much as they can about using mobile devices for delivering personalized experiences to learners. If you’re new to the teaching profession, here’s what you need to know about using mobile devices for your classes.
1. Adjust learning strategies to match the technology
Not all learning goals can be accomplished through a mobile-first setup. You will have to change the competencies you want to assess. Consider aligning your goals with the strategies that are viable through virtual learning. In place of oral activities, for instance, you can assess their mastery of a course or unit through recorded presentations or reflection papers. Assessing practical mastery is a different story. To get around the lack of in-person instruction, you can simply assess the learner’s progress through scenario-based tests and interviews.
2. Allow for periods of self-learning
The beauty of using mobile devices to support learning lies in the fact that learners can access the materials they need at any given time and in any location. In addition to using video conferencing tools like Google Meet and Zoom for virtual lectures, you can also send self-learning modules through cloud platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive. Anything from PDFs and videos can be accessed through these platforms, but make sure the materials are designed for mobile screens.
3. Assess progress through the right tools
Tracking learners’ progress remotely is a challenge that teachers can easily hurdle by using the right tools. Investing in platforms like Teach ‘n Go which allows for easy schedule management and progress tracking is a lifesaver for teachers who lack experience in using mobile devices for their classes. What’s more, these platforms are accessible through mobile apps so you can design and manage your virtual classroom entirely on your phone.
4. Make it fun and interactive
The biggest disadvantage of remote learning is the lack of in-person interactions. In short, virtual classes are less exciting and intimate which, in the long run, affects learners’ motivation. As an educator, you will have to look for ways to make your lessons fun and engaging even through smartphone and tablet screens. Use sites like Quizziz and Kahoot for designing learning games that are fun to play on mobile.
Learning shouldn’t be restricted to the four corners of a physical classroom. Teachers will have to harness the advantages of mobile to provide a more personalized learning experience.
