An "app" is short for software application, e.g.,Facebook's mobile app, and the term mobile education simply means the use of a variety of mobile technologies that attempt to offer a range of opportunities to improve learning through teaching, assessment and education management. An organisation that has quickly realised the potential and significance of apps to transform life is the not for profit organisation Apps for Good started in 2009 by Rodrigo Baggio. This organisation provides courses to children and teachers, courses comprising of idea generation, feasibility, marketing and business model design. Their vision is simply, to empower people to improve their life and become problem solvers, tech entrepreneurs so that they can develop apps that change the world for the better.
Mobile technologies like apps have grown considerably in countries like Nigeria and has thus allowed other African nations to access e-books, e-assessments, assignment planning, learner tutor communication etc. Apps are being used more and more in fields like health education in emerging nations to disseminate medical knowledge to remote areas. The rise in sales and use of smartphones in Africa has seen smartphones increase by 43% each year since 2000 with an expected 67% 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%.
Representing mobile operators worldwide, GSMA has identified six areas linked to mobile education. These six areas include, vocational education, enhanced literacy and language skills, out of classroom learning and collaboration, professional learning and development and supporting students with special needs. This wide application of mobile technology has now seen the USA position itself to generate $38b in sales by 2015. The figures for the availability of apps is now staggering with 500,000 apps on offer on iTunes and an extra 300,000 apps 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.
Mobile education and the use of apps can achieve where politicians have failed. Apps can provide engaging, interactive learning with 3-D design and audio that is convenient and therefore creating an exciting learning experience. For educators working in areas like special needs, apps are proving to be a fantastic learning tool as they can support speech therapy treatment, behaviour issues and communication skills. Apps like See, Touch, Learn. Pro and Pictello are some of the very popular apps in the market for special needs and an example of how apps can truly transform life.
Mobile technologies like apps have grown considerably in countries like Nigeria and has thus allowed other African nations to access e-books, e-assessments, assignment planning, learner tutor communication etc. Apps are being used more and more in fields like health education in emerging nations to disseminate medical knowledge to remote areas. The rise in sales and use of smartphones in Africa has seen smartphones increase by 43% each year since 2000 with an expected 67% 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%.
Representing mobile operators worldwide, GSMA has identified six areas linked to mobile education. These six areas include, vocational education, enhanced literacy and language skills, out of classroom learning and collaboration, professional learning and development and supporting students with special needs. This wide application of mobile technology has now seen the USA position itself to generate $38b in sales by 2015. The figures for the availability of apps is now staggering with 500,000 apps on offer on iTunes and an extra 300,000 apps 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.
Mobile education and the use of apps can achieve where politicians have failed. Apps can provide engaging, interactive learning with 3-D design and audio that is convenient and therefore creating an exciting learning experience. For educators working in areas like special needs, apps are proving to be a fantastic learning tool as they can support speech therapy treatment, behaviour issues and communication skills. Apps like See, Touch, Learn. Pro and Pictello are some of the very popular apps in the market for special needs and an example of how apps can truly transform life.
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