The Last Backpack Generation

Zachary Walker, in the SmartBlog on Education, warns teachers that students in their classes today are the last backpack generation.  No matter how reluctant some educators may be to embrace mobile learning and mobile devices, they must realize that these tools of learning are changing education as we know it.  Walker explains that mobile learning is not about the tool but about teaching and that creativity is the way we can move forward from “bells, standards, and academic calendars.” You can learn about more from Walker on his Website and @lastbackpack on Twitter.

Follow Edutopia Pins

Looking for ideas related to geography, ePals, life in China, using Skype in the classroom, or understanding cultures? Try Edutopia’s Pinterest pinboard Around The World. Or how about information on edible schoolyards, project-based learning, design, art integration, technology, and loads of other topics?  There are 82 pins so far on the Students Like Tech board, some of which include information about using games for learning, tech tools with feedback for students, ultra cool educational sites, teaching with tablets, back-to-school apps, and where we are in digital learning. Other Pinboards target Common Core, school supplies, mobile classrooms, careers, Halloween, reading lists,  . . .

Virtual Leadership Conference Targeting Mobile Learning

The FetC Virtual Leadership SUMMIT, Taking the Lead in Mobile Learning, will be held Tuesday, December 11^th, from 12:45-5:30 p.m. If you want to learn more or are confused about strategies for learning and teaching in the Age of Going Mobil, this free, Web-based conference is a must. It will feature national experts, moderated discussions, interactive online environment, and networking opportunities.

Using SmartPhones in the Classroom?

Harry Grover Tuttle, who teaches at Onondaga Community College, in the Tech & Learning Advisor Blog suggests “5 Ways to Expand Smartphone Learning".  Some of his ideas are: don’t use drill and kill, don’t stick with text, don’t make everything an individual activity, don’t use Smartphones just to find information, and don’t use Smartphones just to learn something. Instead, when learning foreign language vocabulary, “use a QR code to show a restaurant in Lima, Peru”, and then have students study the menu and talk with each other about the restaurant. Use videos and photos along with text when having students work with Smartphones and let them work together as they learn.  Have them use the information they find to create, compare, and contrast. — And why not put their Smartphones to use to keep track of their grades and progress with Google Doc spreadsheet or a Google Doc checklist?