New Tech Center Aims to Further Understanding of Mobile Learning by Toni Fuhrman

The University of San Diego is offering educators and administrators the first accredited certificate in mobile technology tools, teaching, and metrics.

Photo: University of San Diego

Toni Fuhrman writes, "From pre-kindergarten through higher education, mobile technology is changing the way we teach and learn. Change is never easy, however, and many educators are struggling to keep up with the latest advancements in mobile technology--and how to use these evolving devices in the classroom."

The University of San Diego (CA) hopes to overcome all that. Its School of Leadership and Education Sciences recently announced the creation of a Mobile Technology Learning Center (MTLC) to provide research-based answers to many of the unknowns regarding mobile technology and learning. By collaborating with local school districts, as well as with institutions of higher learning and government agencies, MTLC wants to be a "living laboratory" for schools and educators, to test research findings, and to provide future teachers with unique teaching and research opportunities.

"MTLC was created as K-12 school systems seek access to resources on how best to utilize mobile devices instructionally and technically to personalize education and increase student achievement," said Shawn Gross, senior associate for MTLC. "The emphasis is on the concept of digital literacy, project-based learning, social and collaboration tools, and the mobile learning ecosystem."

Mobile Technology Learning Center

And, starting this fall, USD will offer a MTLC certificate course designed for K-12 educators and administrators. It's the first mobile-tech program of its kind to provide an accredited certificate through a university system, and is being offered nationally as a fully online experience. Called "Digital Literacy for Teachers and Leaders," the program includes four in-depth courses that can be completed in eight months. Topics will include integrating mobile technology tools into the student learning experience, as well as developing tools and metrics to evaluate their success.

Current goals for the MTLC include:

• Create research teams of members located throughout the world via the internet.
• Build links among university researchers and school-based practitioners.
• Develop criteria of learning effectiveness for comparing mobile devices.
• Create and disseminate evidence-based practices for using mobile devices to support learning.

Read more... 

Source: Campus Technology