Mobile Learning: A Handbook for Developers, Educators, and Learners (Wiley and SAS Business Series)

by Scott McQuiggan

understanding. Nonverbal response systems, such as Twitter, are wonderful tools, especially for the more introverted student. For example, second-grade teacher Sean Russell remembers using the GoSoapbox application in a lecture, which allows for students to send questions during a video using their iPod touch devices. For him, it helps to raise the levels of engagement in the class. It can be transformative for some students, though. He mentioned Erin, a child who was a selective mute. He was amazed when one day she asked her very first question in class, using GoSoapbox. For her, the forum made the difference and literally gave her a voice.9 Many systems also allow for back channeling that encourages class participation without the intimidation or humiliation associated with speaking in front of the class. Polling or quizzing apps, like Poll Everywhere or Socrative, present students with questions posed by the teacher during the lecture. Similarly, discussion platforms, such as Padlet, provide students with an online, collaborative discussion space. The benefits of such back channeling are threefold: Students can monitor and calibrate their current level of understanding. Students take on a more active role and are more likely to remain engaged and attentive. Teachers can use the data to make informed reflections about the lecture (e.g., specific trouble areas, variance in affect throughout the lecture). Blended and Flipped Classrooms Blended learning is an overarching, c...

Students use integrated apps ti ask questions during a class video projection