Let's talk about mobile, baby.

Hey guys and welcome back!

Hope all of you that have returned to school already have found some sort of routine. The rest of you, time is a-ticking!

Well, I was working on a separate post that discusses character development in your classroom, and its definitely still on its way. I would just like to take a moment to discuss the place for mobile platforms in the classroom.

More and more, teachers are finding cell phones and tablets in their classrooms. And more and more, its with younger and younger students. I feel personally that there is a huge area of impact teachers are missing. Kids have their phones with them all the time, every day. How we continually choose to exclude this type of device is beyond me! If you take a device that you consider a distraction, but design it into use in your lessons, that device is no longer a distraction, but an extension of learning. Below, I'm going to outline some great games and apps for mobile learning, as well as give you some links for more information.

Let's start with my favorite, games. Now there are decidedly more learning games distributed for younger students (K-6) than there are for those that are older. But, choose to believe it or not, these kids are still walking around with cell phones, many more capable than their teachers! So here we go:

Angry Birds: Its hard to believe this phenomenon of a game could be an exercise in learning, but it definitely can. This game is entirely based on physics, but is masked in such an addictive and fun way that your student will be discovering physics, problem solving and elemental geometry at an early age. Definitely worth checking out if you're one of that 8 people who don't have access to it already. (.99 App store/ Free Android Marketplace and Chrome internet browser)

Jelly Car 2: This game delivers customization options to get your child creating within the game, but also delivers another physics based adventure. 30 levels provide students with much to do and car abilities within the levels deliver some more of those great problem solving skills we all seek. (.99 App Store/ Unfortunately not available on Android Marketplace, but look for Jelly Car 3!)

Super Why!: Based on a popular show on PBS, this app works to develop your students' vocabulary skills, though designed more for the Pre-K group. This app works on spelling, rhyming, reading and writing. ($2.99 App Store/ Again, not on Android Marketplace. Sorry! There is however, a huge amount of spelling and writing games available)

Check out the list provided at Parenting.com for more great games: Great iPhone Learning Games

For the older crowd, its tougher to provide educational experiences that are guised as games. So, what I suggest doing is using different apps as extensions of their learning.

First and foremost: Prezi! I love this app and so should you! Its a presentation app that can be downloaded for iPad (Expect an android app soon) and its fantastic. You can link it with your online account and have access from your computer or tablet. This is great for high school and middle school when they presentations of their own. Instead static powerpoints, try to implement Prezi instead! Here's a link to some samples: Prezi

Twitter: Yes, this is a social networking app. However, if that is all you think Twitter is, you are very mistaken. Twitter is by far a collaboration app. With the use of hashtags (#likethese), your students can link up with people all over the world to get insight and viewpoints on different topics. Also, with developing programs like TwHistory, immersion into content and collaboration is expanding exponentially every day. For those of you who are wary of allowing students to hop onto Twitter because of this reason (Connectability to anyone, anywhere that has a Twitter account, let me introduce you to Twiducate. It is a Twitter like app that is more of a walled garden where students are only able to connect to those who the teacher allows).

This is only a brief list of Apps you can use in your classroom. I myself learn of more almost every day by connecting to new groups on Twitter and Facebook. I suggest you do the same!

Until next time-

Gamer:Teacher

Edit: Here's a great list from Mashable on iOS apps your students should have going into school: http://on.mash.to/mWw4jJ and here's a website that continuously provides the best information on mobile apps for your students: Mobl21