By David Simon
"App" simply means software application like Facebook's mobile app. Now the term mobile education simply means the use of a variety of mobile technologies that provide a range of different services to enhance learning through teaching, education management and assessment. Apps for Good, a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2009 by Rodrigo Baggio provides courses for students and tutors on how to use apps to transform peoples life. The course is designed to nurture tech entrepreneurs and problem solvers so that they can develop apps to help their communities.
The growth of mobile technologies in countries like Nigeria has meant that many emerging nations can now use apps to access e-books, engage in learner collaboration, assignment planning and e-assessments. Apps not only provide these opportunities more conveniently but offer vital health education by allowing for the dissemination of medical information to remote regions. The growth of smartphones in Africa has risen by 43% every year since 2000 with an expected internet to 67% by 2014.
Recent statistics also confirm the increased popularity of education apps. The iLean II report (an analysis of the education category of Apple's app store), found that over 80% of the bestselling paid apps in the education category of the iTunes Store are targeted at children.The report also found that 47% (2009) of the top selling apps are targeted at young children and this number has now increased to 72%.
GSMA, an organisation representing mobile operators worldwide has identified six areas for mobile education which are vocational education and training, connected learning for children, out of classroom learning and collaboration, professional learning and development, enhanced literacy and language skills and supporting students with special needs. With such widespread application, it is not surprising the US is expected to generate $38b in sales by 2015. We are now seeing over 500,000 apps available on iTunes and an additional 300,000 plus available on Android.
Though it is clear that apps will revolutionise learning, there must also be caution for educators and developers have to address a number of issues, the first of which is the protection of children in the digital age with its increased commercialisation. Will additional legislation need to be brought in? Probably, but global child protection policies need to be worked out. Another consideration that institutions have to consider is that of the device readiness of their mobile resources, especially when planning to use the latest interactive apps. These new technologies will require educators to understand the new learning styles of their students and their own new teaching styles. However, whilst these considerations need to be addressed we must remember that apps educate, empower and will create opportunities for all, especially marginalised groups.
Apps can deliver where political policies have failed to provide educational opportunities that children and young people deserve. Apps can provide 3-design, audio and graphics, thereby presenting an exciting interactive learning experience. For educators working in the special needs area, apps are already supporting their work by providing speech therapy, behaviour support and communication skills. Pictello and See,Touch, Learn. Pro and just two popular special needs apps on the market.
The growth of mobile technologies in countries like Nigeria has meant that many emerging nations can now use apps to access e-books, engage in learner collaboration, assignment planning and e-assessments. Apps not only provide these opportunities more conveniently but offer vital health education by allowing for the dissemination of medical information to remote regions. The growth of smartphones in Africa has risen by 43% every year since 2000 with an expected internet to 67% by 2014.
Recent statistics also confirm the increased popularity of education apps. The iLean II report (an analysis of the education category of Apple's app store), found that over 80% of the bestselling paid apps in the education category of the iTunes Store are targeted at children.The report also found that 47% (2009) of the top selling apps are targeted at young children and this number has now increased to 72%.
GSMA, an organisation representing mobile operators worldwide has identified six areas for mobile education which are vocational education and training, connected learning for children, out of classroom learning and collaboration, professional learning and development, enhanced literacy and language skills and supporting students with special needs. With such widespread application, it is not surprising the US is expected to generate $38b in sales by 2015. We are now seeing over 500,000 apps available on iTunes and an additional 300,000 plus available on Android.
Though it is clear that apps will revolutionise learning, there must also be caution for educators and developers have to address a number of issues, the first of which is the protection of children in the digital age with its increased commercialisation. Will additional legislation need to be brought in? Probably, but global child protection policies need to be worked out. Another consideration that institutions have to consider is that of the device readiness of their mobile resources, especially when planning to use the latest interactive apps. These new technologies will require educators to understand the new learning styles of their students and their own new teaching styles. However, whilst these considerations need to be addressed we must remember that apps educate, empower and will create opportunities for all, especially marginalised groups.
Apps can deliver where political policies have failed to provide educational opportunities that children and young people deserve. Apps can provide 3-design, audio and graphics, thereby presenting an exciting interactive learning experience. For educators working in the special needs area, apps are already supporting their work by providing speech therapy, behaviour support and communication skills. Pictello and See,Touch, Learn. Pro and just two popular special needs apps on the market.
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Learn more about education. Stop by David Simon's site where you can find out all about how to unlock your child's genius and what it can do for you.
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