Mobile Learning@Home and School - Unexpected Gifts

Aug 21 2011

2eeducator

Everyone is going mobile these days. And if you own one of today?s smartphones or tablets, then you know that going mobile brings freedom, flexibility and engaging options that didn?t exist just a few years ago. If you are a parent, then you definitely have the ability now to play an important role in your child?s education in ways that can improve their learning and develop their creativity.

When I first entered the world of mobile technology in 2001, there were limited choices in applications for handheld computers, tablets were just beginning to become an attractive alternative to a PC or laptop and no one was using a smartphone. But now the interest in mobility has exploded and the options for mobile devices range from apps to help you find a restaurant to apps, keep you organized or help your child with math facts. There even is an app, if you are in construction, to help you find the studs in a wall.
So how do you find and narrow down the myriad of options? One strategy that works is to simply search for ?mobile apps? and add the specific interest or need you are trying to address. Since much of educational consulting work I do involves gifted and twice-exceptional learners (students who are both gifted and have a learning difference or disability), I added the words ?special ed? and came up with these truly useful links that highlight resources that offer opportunities for success:

Learned about a series of touch-screen apps being developed by Autism Speaks, a US advocacy group and HP to help individuals living with autism:
http://www.bendbulletin.com/article/20110728/NEWS0107/107280315/

From the Huffington Post, here is a video about Nolan and the apps his mom has found that have made a dramatic difference in his life, including a clever app titled The Talking Cat:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/18/ipad-apps-for-autism-and-_n_686020.html

Innov8 is an educational consulting company with a focus on assistive technology that can help all students:
http://www.inov8-ed.com/2010/10/theres-a-special-app-for-that-part-1-5-apps-to-improve-organizational-skills-for-students-with-learning-disabilities/

The freedom, flexibility and engagement in learning that mobile learning brings are enormous. With so many mobile options, all students with unique learning differences will have a chance for success in ways that we only began to dream were possible 10 years ago when mobile learning was just in its infancy.

Source: http://2eeducator.edublogs.org/2011/08/21/mobile-learninghome-and-school-apps-for-special-education/

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