Article Review: A Mobile Tool for Learning English Words.

Summary:
As technology changes, interest and growth in the number of educational institutions using mobile devices to support learning and teaching has increased. There is also an increase use of wireless technologies in education all over the world. Cavus, the author of the article argues that wireless technologies such as laptop computers, palmtop computers, and mobile phones are revolutionizing education and transforming the traditional classroom based learning and teaching into anytime and anywhere education. This article looks at the use of wireless technologies in education. Special interest is shown regarding the potential of learning new technical English Language words using SMS text messaging. The system that is analyzed was developed by the authors is called the Mobile Learning Tool (MOLT). Cavus and Ibrahim add that in order for these technologies to be effectively incorporated into the classroom, they must first be proven to have a positive effect. This new ideal of learning called, “M learning,” has many benefits including: bringing teaching and learning anywhere and anytime, providing freedom of organization in and out of the classroom, offering transparent connections to nets, and the ability to remotely sense and integrate information. The main draw of the idea is the possibility for education to shift from the ideal of anywhere and anytime, to everywhere and everytime according to research quoted in the article and conducted by Singh.

Analysis: As many schools forbid cell phones and student laptops on campus, the idea of teaching through these same devices would meet with a great deal of resistance. One issue that would almost certainly arise is that of proper use. How could teachers and administrators know that students are only using their mobile phones for class work? Though some computer labs allow the teacher to take charge of a student computer remotely, it is not as clear if the same idea could apply to cell phones. Yet another possible issue would be the availability of the technology. Computer companies often offer schools a bulk discount on their computers and printers, but phone companies are not known to be as generous. The possibility for overspending through unauthorized texting and calls is frightening.


References:
Cavus, N., & Ibrahim, D. (2008). A Mobile Tool for Learning English Words. Online Submission, Retrieved from ERIC database.