Reflecting before an interview
Posted on: October 30, 2012
I was interviewed at MobiLearnAsia. I was not able to watch the telecast as I was picking my son up from school at the time.
I heard that the video bite was over briefly. Mercifully brief!
Prior to the interview, the event organizer told me I might be asked questions about mobile learning trends, the acceptance of mobile learning, the measures required for greater acceptance, and game changers for mobile learning.
While the interviewer and I chatted about many things, only a sliver made it to air. But it was an opportunity to think about answers to those questions. Here are some thoughts I put in Evernote.
What are some mobile trends?
- Technology focus: Even smaller mobile devices, probably wearable
- Policy focus: BYOD might dominate; more opportunities for informal learning
- Practice focus: disruption to teaching in place, emphasis on learning in spaces and at your own pace
- We are at the exploratory phase now; more evidence gathering will happen soon
How do you foresee acceptance of mobile learning technologies in emerging markets like Southeast Asia or developed markets like Singapore?
Acceptance
- As long as uninformed or uninspired leaders are in charge, there will be little change
- Mobile trends are always slower in the schooling than in other sectors because we feel neither the push nor the pull
Acceptance will be based on
- Where the learners are at: Social and gaming modes, but not necessarily in formal learning mode
- Going to where learners are: What dominant platform (type of device and social media space)?
- How inspired the leaders are
- Demand from the ground
- How culturally immersed in mobile learning they all are
What modifications are needed to adapt such methods?
- Overcoming policies based on ignorance and/or fear
- Allow ownership/BYOD; allow kids to use devices in class; model responsible use
- Immersion with mobile for informal and professional use
- Proof from preliminary studies or inspired leaps of faith
- Using new tools in new and effective ways
- Mainstream classroom use of mobile devices instead of special events, lessons, or journeys
What would be a game changer for mobile learning?
- The Internet of things (see video above)
- The semantic web
- Both help create the perfect storm for the personalization of learning
