Event Title

A pilot to study the use of mobile technology in the classroom

Location

Melnick

Format

Podium Presentation

Start Date

16-1-2010 10:20 AM

End Date

16-1-2010 10:50 AM

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Normally, a class full of students distracted by their cell phones or iPods would be a bad thing. However, those involved with the Physical Therapy Assistant Program at the Medical Center Campus of Miami Dade College are actually excited about it!

PURPOSE: The program recently began a pilot that handed out either an iPod Touch or iPhone to each of the 50 students in program. This mirrors a growing trend in education that has seen fewer laptops coming to class and more pocket-sized devices replacing them. Those technologies include lecture capture, learning objects, a student response system, mobile reference materials, and a new breed of educational software that is now available through an online store known as the “App Store.” The App Store is built into both the iPod Touch and the iPhone, and allows students to download the software directly without a computer.

METHODOLOGY: The program recently began a pilot that handed out either an iPod Touch or iPhone to each of the 50 students in the program.

RESULTS: We believe making access to information easier will pay tremendous dividends to our students. We also think this has the potential to positively affect retention and learning outcomes since it has allowed us to change the way instruction is delivered to better fit how students learn.

CONCLUSIONS: The pilot will continue through the end of the year. There are plans for a formal evaluation at the end of our fall semester, Dec 2009. Early success for the PTA program has led to an adoption the technology by the Miami Dade College, Nursing Program.

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Jan 16th, 10:20 AM Jan 16th, 10:50 AM

A pilot to study the use of mobile technology in the classroom

Melnick

INTRODUCTION: Normally, a class full of students distracted by their cell phones or iPods would be a bad thing. However, those involved with the Physical Therapy Assistant Program at the Medical Center Campus of Miami Dade College are actually excited about it!

PURPOSE: The program recently began a pilot that handed out either an iPod Touch or iPhone to each of the 50 students in program. This mirrors a growing trend in education that has seen fewer laptops coming to class and more pocket-sized devices replacing them. Those technologies include lecture capture, learning objects, a student response system, mobile reference materials, and a new breed of educational software that is now available through an online store known as the “App Store.” The App Store is built into both the iPod Touch and the iPhone, and allows students to download the software directly without a computer.

METHODOLOGY: The program recently began a pilot that handed out either an iPod Touch or iPhone to each of the 50 students in the program.

RESULTS: We believe making access to information easier will pay tremendous dividends to our students. We also think this has the potential to positively affect retention and learning outcomes since it has allowed us to change the way instruction is delivered to better fit how students learn.

CONCLUSIONS: The pilot will continue through the end of the year. There are plans for a formal evaluation at the end of our fall semester, Dec 2009. Early success for the PTA program has led to an adoption the technology by the Miami Dade College, Nursing Program.