"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.
With the rapid growth of mobile phones in countries like Nigeria, mobile education and the use of apps offers educators and students access to e-books, learning collaboration, learner tutor communication, evidence collection, e-portfolios, e-assessment and progress monitoring and assignment planning. Apps not only support these trends but are increasingly being used in emerging countries in Africa to disseminate health education. Indeed, the smartphone growth in Africa has increased by 43% every year since 2000 with an expected 67% having internet access 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, that represents mobile operators worldwide has highlighted six areas for mobile education. These areas are: vocational learning development, supporting students with special needs, out of classroom learning and collaboration, professional learning and development, enhanced language and literacy skills and connected learning for children. The USA has now positioned itself to reap $38b in sales by the year 2015 from mobile learning. The increase in apps is staggering with 500,000 apps available on iTunes and an extra 300,000 apps on offer on Android.
However, whilst Mobile Education and apps is set to revolutionise learning, there must be caution and educators must address several issues, the first of which is the protection of children in the commercial digital age, just as we have legislation to protect children from the harmful effects of television and film. Another consideration for those wanting to implement mobile education is the device readiness of the institutions as many educators and students many not have mobile devices capable to access the latest apps. In addition, learning with technology requires a new look at teaching methodologies, a new understanding of this unique learning style. Again, whilst we must consider these and other issues, we should note how apps can empower the disadvantaged and marginalised.
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.
With the rapid growth of mobile phones in countries like Nigeria, mobile education and the use of apps offers educators and students access to e-books, learning collaboration, learner tutor communication, evidence collection, e-portfolios, e-assessment and progress monitoring and assignment planning. Apps not only support these trends but are increasingly being used in emerging countries in Africa to disseminate health education. Indeed, the smartphone growth in Africa has increased by 43% every year since 2000 with an expected 67% having internet access 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, that represents mobile operators worldwide has highlighted six areas for mobile education. These areas are: vocational learning development, supporting students with special needs, out of classroom learning and collaboration, professional learning and development, enhanced language and literacy skills and connected learning for children. The USA has now positioned itself to reap $38b in sales by the year 2015 from mobile learning. The increase in apps is staggering with 500,000 apps available on iTunes and an extra 300,000 apps on offer on Android.
However, whilst Mobile Education and apps is set to revolutionise learning, there must be caution and educators must address several issues, the first of which is the protection of children in the commercial digital age, just as we have legislation to protect children from the harmful effects of television and film. Another consideration for those wanting to implement mobile education is the device readiness of the institutions as many educators and students many not have mobile devices capable to access the latest apps. In addition, learning with technology requires a new look at teaching methodologies, a new understanding of this unique learning style. Again, whilst we must consider these and other issues, we should note how apps can empower the disadvantaged and marginalised.
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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