QR What?

QR codes, also known as Quick Response codes, are starting to pop up everywhere, and now they are finding their way into classrooms.  Here are some QR code resources and links.

• QR Codes in Education a LiveBinder created by Steven Anderson @web20classroom

• Cybraryman's QR Code Page created by Jerry Blumengarten @cybraryman1

• 43 Interesting Ways to Use QR Codes in the Classroom created by Tom Barrett @tombarrett

• QR Codes in K-12 Education curated by Jean Anning @janning

• A Dummies Guide to QR Codes created by Nicky Hockly @TheConsultantsE

• QR Code Classroom Implementation Guide created by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher

Mobile Connections and Resources

SIGML Wiki @sigml
SIGML is an ISTE special interest group for mobile learning.  This wiki provides mobile learning resources, webinars, discussions and a place to connect with other educators.  A new feature added to this site is called "Mobilist Nation".  "This site is designed to promote the networking and integration of Mobile Learning into classrooms around the world. On this site you will find several resources that will help you to find answers to your questions:

• MLNet is a new initiative to create a collaboration space using Twitter where you can have discussions that are important to you (all you need is a Twitter account to participate).
• MLNet discussions are hosted by Google Groups, and we welcome your input and questions.
• The chatrooms are designed to focus on a central theme and provide resources and communication between individuals. We will have scheduled chats around each topic on a regular basis. Check the chatrooms page for date and time information.
• In order to reach you where it counts (whether that is while working out, traveling the world, in your classroom, or simply in the comfort of your home) we are starting a Podcast station where we will record and produce informational audio-blogs and interviews in which you can participate.
• In that same vein, we are working hard to line up a great group of webinar speakers to provide additional development for you and your classroom.
• If you want to keep up with news in the field of Mobile Learning, stay tuned to the NewsRoll to get current highlights.
• Please take the time to connect with us using our twitter, facebook, and edmodo accounts."

Go Mobile 4 Learning
This site gives you access to connections with teachers and researchers interested in mobile learning.  On this site, there are many teacher resources. These resources range from elementary to higher ed.


UW-Stout Mobile Learning Wiki
The UW-Stout Mobile Learning wiki has a plethora of information.  Some of the topics that can be found on this site are acceptable use policies, augmented reality, QR Codes, best practices and much more.


YCSD Mobile Learning Wiki
This wiki is a "repository of resources maximizing the use of iPods, iPads, cell phones and other mobile communication devices in the classroom".  The resources that can be found on this wiki include: mobile learning livebinders, general iPod and iPad resources, lesson ideas, and information on apps.

Mobile Learning Experience 2012 - April 11-13 in Phoenix, Arizona

Cross Post From Tony Vincent's Learning in Hand

Interested in iPad, iPod touch, tablets, netbooks, laptops, phones, apps, podcasting, Android, iOS, and web-based tools? Excited about mobile technology for learning and teaching? Want to connect with other educators and learn from their successes and challenges? Then join me for Mobile Learning Experience 2012 April 11-13 in Phoenix, Arizona.

It's my pleasure to be on the team organizing Mobile Learning Experience 2012. It's the second year of this terrific conference. If you'd like to get a feel for 2011's conference, then read dozens of blog posts submitted during the event.

Registration for Mobile Learning Experience 2012 is open. You can save $200 if you register before January 20, 2012. 

Please consider applying to present a session at Mobile Learning 2012. We're looking for presentations about topics that address topics like:

• Web-based tools
• Netbooks and laptops
• iPad, iPod touch, and iPhone
• Mobile phones
• Classroom management
• One-to-one learning environments
• Personalized learning
• Collaborative learning
• Project-based learning
• Inquiry learning
• Research about mobile learning
• Assistive technology
• Common Core
• Science, math, and language
• Higher order thinking

Presenters receive a $50 discount on registration.The deadline for session proposals is November 16, 2012. Read more about the call for proposals.

• Download and share the invitation to Mobile Learning Experience 2012.
• Follow Mobile Learning Experience on Twitter.
• Use the Twitter hashtag #mobile2012.
• Like Mobile Learning Experience on Facebook.

5 Can’t Miss Mobile Learning Resources

Guest Post for BrainPop

Mobile Learning Integration via @kylepace

If you are looking to integrate iPads and iPods into your classroom curriculum, this is the site for you! It has an entire section of apps that work well in the classroom.  It also has user guides, pod casts and a user agreement. Another great aspect of this site is that it highlights tips and tricks for use in the classroom.

Mobile Learning Portal

This resource provides a vast array of mobile learning information.  This site  provides a look at many different types of initiatives.  It also has sections on mobile learning books, articles, journals and conferences.  This site can keep you busy for hours!

Cybrary Man’s Mobile Learning Page via @cybraryman1

Jerry Blumengarten has collected resources on the use of cell phones in the classroom.  These resources include articles, videos and links on how to get started with using cell phones, mobile learning devices, in the classroom.

 Learning in Hand via @tonyvincent

This is a site that focuses on all types of mobile learning devices, but primarily iOS devices.  Tony Vincent is a pioneer in the mobile learning community.  He provides his knowledge and background of MLDs on his blog that he regularly updates. Also, he gives hints on helpful apps for the classroom.                                 

 i Educational Apps Review via @smeech

This site is unique in that it provides app reviews from teachers and students.  This gives the reader a viewpoint straight from the classroom.  As it says in the title, “iEAR is a Community effort to create educational apps.” 

If you know of any other great mobile learning resources, please add it to the list.

Using Mobile Learning Devices In & Outside the Classroom

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to participate in the Reform Symposium.  This was an amazing conference that connected educators from around the world.  Here is what I had to say about using mobile learning devices in education.

Powering Up in the Classroom

Defining Mobile Learning 

In education, the words "Mobile Learning" are starting to appear more often.  Mobile learning is anytime, anywhere seamless learning.  In other words, it is ubiquitous learning.  A mobile learning device could be a laptop, net book, iPad, iPod Touch or even a smart phone. 

A Change in Thinking

Many schools have labeled the use of mobile technology as a distraction in the classroom.  Also, many schools have banned cell phones.  On the other hand, as technology has improved, many schools are seeing the benefits of using these devices in the classroom.  Educators are coming to realize that the students use these types of devices everyday at home, and then are asked to "power down" when they get to school.

Embracing Mobile Technology

St. Marys City Schools in Ohio has decided to embrace using smart phone technology as an educational tool.  In St. Marys, the smart phones are referred to as a "Mobile Learning Device" (MLD).  The term "MLD" is used because of the negative connotation of the word cell phones in schools.  The texting and the phone capabilities are turned off, which essentially makes it a small computer.  This coming year, every student from 3rd to 5th grade will have a mobile learning device in his or her hand. There will be over 500 devices within the school district.  Also, they will be incorporating BYOD, Bring Your Own Device, as a pilot for the upper grade levels.  The goal of the district is to have a mobile device in the hand of every student from 3rd to 12th grade.

SMCS is "leveling the playing field".  Now every student has Internet access, word processing capabilities and many supportive applications.  The GoKnow applications that are being used allow the teachers to create and "sync" lessons to the students' devices.  When the students complete the assignment, they simply "sync" their work, and the teacher can grade their assignment at their computer.  These Mobile Learning Devices are not an add-on within the classroom.  The students are able to take them from class to class and are with the students throughout the entire day.  The students also have the ability to use video, audio and camera aspects on their device.  Many teachers allow the students to take their MLD on field trips to take pictures and to record notes. 

This so called "disruptive technology" has had a positive impact on the students.  Unmotivated students have become motivated.  The use of these devices has enabled educators to reach all learning styles.  The students are completely immersed and engaged in their learning.  St. Marys has noticed an increase in mathematics and writing achievement. With the ongoing improvements and changes being made technologically, St. Marys City Schools is making an effort to change along with the times.  St. Marys has had great success implementing Mobile Learning devices into the classroom!  To find out more about St. Marys Mobile Learning Technology visit their website www.smriders.net/Mobile_Learning/.