Smartphones and I-Pads

The two devices that I believe have made the most improvements to education on all levels are the SmartPhone and I-Pad. The future is wireless. Students and teachers are able to have an infinite amount of information in the palm of their hands with the use of these two devices. The most popular of these two pieces of technology is the SmartPhone. It is a combination of a phone and a computer. A student can use either capability to communicate with his/her teacher at any time and any location. In the past, students were only able to ask questions and communicate with the their teacher when they met face to face in the classroom. The incorporation of the SmartPhone has helped to tear down the barrier of classroom walls and make learning and communicating available at all times. Teachers are able to post videos, blogs, assignments, and answer questions through the Internet and students are able to access this information with ease because of the SmartPhone. Better communication opportunities leads to improvements in teaching and learning.

The invention of the SmartPhone and I-Pad has also made it possible for more people to continue their education and remain lifelong learners through distance education opportunities. When distance education was created, students were tied to a computer at a desk at a certain time of day. This limited their freedom and flexibility of their daily routines. Time has always been a major factor in an adult's ability to continue his/her education. In today's failing economy, an adult cannot afford to quit work to go back to school to further his/her education. This freedom has allowed more people to continue their education. SmartPhones and I-Pads make it possible for adults to continue their busy and hectic lives while continuing to learn new skills and occupations. Distance learning is cheaper than face to face learning and thus opens the doors to people of all socioeconomic status.

Lastly, SmartPhones and I-Pads open the doors to more educational resources through the ability to download apps that can enhance the lessons that students receive in the classroom. These apps are a great hands-on tool that make learning more enjoyment. Again, the capabilities that the SmartPhone and I-Pad possess make learning possible anywhere and anytime. Students do not have to be sitting in front of a computer to practice their multiplication skills....they can be riding in their car or sitting at a restaurant waiting for their food. Also, students spend more time practicing these skills because the apps are more engaging than a textbook or worksheet. The graphics that the apps have make these learning tools seem more like video games and students are more interested in playing games than practicing math.