Blog 7 :Is the Mobile Phone a Learning Resource

Everyday technology can help overcome many traditional learning barriers.

A short time after I was introduced to the computer (Mid 1980's) I created spreadsheets and word documents. Such documents at that moment in time were rare, and could only be produced by admin employees. Later l mastered sage accounts and power point style presentations. The latter afforded me a new lease of life. Almost overnight I was transformed from a good talker who failed to produce evidence of good ideas, into a confident forward thinking strategist who could express thoughts and ideas in a professional manner.

Prior to this technology I could always talk, I always had ideas, and I could always find solutions, unfortunately my solutions and ideas would be killed off, as soon as I heard the fatal words “that’s brilliant write me a report”.

I learnt to use the German language and technology as a smoke screen to hide my disability. I was often tasked to present ideas and plans to foreign partners. Rather than produce a written report, I would create a spreadsheet together with a power point presentation. To overcome the language barriers, I would replace the written text with pictures and diagrams. Such methods work better than text, especially when there is a need to clarify a situation. My audiences were impressed and I was often complimented on my communication skills.

I did not feel that my methods were that impressive, as I was simply using alternative communication methods, that are used by those who are devoid of the ability to spell, read or write at the expected pace.

Today I transfer this insight and methodology into my teaching practice.

The results of this practice are demonstrated to good effect with a range of learners that I teach today.

Many people, who have barriers to learning such as dyslexia, phobias of assessment or low self esteem or conversely those who have none can both achieve and exceed through the utilisation of technology.

All most everyone today has a mobile phone. Some are aware that this familiar equipment can spell check, calculate, take photographs, video and make voice recordings. It is possible for today's learner to use the above mentioned methods, for presenting learner evidence or assessment.

Furthermore this information can transferred from a learner's mobile phone to a computer via bluetooth or infra red technology.

Many of today's learner's discoverer and teach themselves of how such technological equipment operates. They also use the equipment as a learning resource or memory aid. Yet many of these self taught individuals have low education backgrounds, resulting in them being labelled by society/education as disadvantaged and as such they are not thought capable of educational achievement.

How wrong could they be with guidance and inspiration we can all achieve?

Thought for the day! If you cant read and write. You are labelled as illiterate, if you can read and write with difficulty you are considered to be semi-illiterate.

If this is the accepted clarification, then those in today's society who cannot, will not or refuse to learn and recognise digital technology. Then they by comparison they should be labelled digitally illiterate.

+