9. THE VALUE OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING.

Mobile technology has mobilised human interaction in all dimensions, by supporting mobile collaboration. Collaboration is the key word, and it is widely acknowledged that this is the future of learning in the 21st century teaching and learning environment. BETT, the worlds leading learning technology event, has been bringing innovation and inspiration to the education sector for over 30 years. Collaboration was the 'buzz' word last year...The opinion was pretty much unanimous:

" education of children by children, equal access for all, globally linked and teaching each other. The teacher will become evermore the 'facilitator' enabling collaboration between students for a brighter future and more sustainable world."

The value of connecting everyone and everything worldwide, has already paid dividends, and been firmly acknowledged in terms of teaching and learning opportunities. This year, in recognition of the massive(as yet unfulfilled) potential, and support benefits that mobile technology can have (and are having) on education; BETT (along with a general world consensus) recognise the value of ensuring that the teaching environment is aware and prepared for the future of learning - because mobile technology and education is all of our future!

Main Themes For 2015

• Future-proofing your university:meeting the next generation of student expectations
• The changing landscape of technology in Higher Education
• Behaviour change: creating a community to encourage educators to adopt technology and change pedagogy.
• Business forum: maintaining your institution's competitiveness
• Mobile technology: Utilising and integrating to improve teaching and learning. 

http://www.bettshow.com/Content/whats-on-at-bett-2015

Today, one can witness asynchronous technology helping and teaching students from across the globe. The use of smart mobile devices has brought the world at a juncture from where technology oriented learning has taken precedence. Mobile devices; the latest tablets and smart phones, today, define the future of education, with a deluge of learning oriented applications which have brought education to the fingertips of those interested in extensive learning.

Innovations in education technology vastly and continuously impove the lives of millions across the globe.

With the advent of Podcasts, eBooks and other technologies, we have achieved the feasibility to provide education that will vastly assist communities and individuals in the places which are under-served by traditional bricks and mortar institutions. However, the focus must always be on achieving the objectives of education and development, and not about popularizing the gadgets or applications.






References:

Brown University:Sheridan Centre for Teaching and Learning.
http://www.brown.edu/academics

Younie S, Leask,M.(2013) Teaching With Technologies.Oxford University Press.

Sharples,M.Taylor,J.Vavoula,G. A Theory of Learning for the Mobile Age. Sage Publications (2006)