Handheld Learning - learning with mobile and ubiquitous technologies

I think this really depends on how you view learning and who is considered the teacher. When it comes to formal learning (i.e. in a formal classroom setting), the teacher is never superfluous, no matter what the technology is. As much as I am a proponent of technology integration in the classroom, it will NEVER replace good teachers and good teaching. As said, it will change the role of the teacher. Research in this area has popularized the phrase "from sage on the stage to facilitator on the side", but I think we need to look beyond that. Based on my research and observations, the role of the teacher becomes more one of co-investigator, and the teacher becomes more of a teacher/learner.

With regards to teaching beyond the walls of the classroom, its a different game altogether, as definitions of teaching, teacher, and learning (can) take on different meanings. For one, learners could be completely independent, the curriculum becomes more if not completely learner-driven, and teachers may include parents, peers, experts, etc....

Mark

Pah! What is a traditional teacher?

If one follows this argument then it's like suggesting that schools will become glorified Internet cafes where the teachers provide hostess services which is complete and utter nonsense. Since the days of Plato software and CBT the displacement or demise of the teacher has been predicted as imminent and yet good teachers are in more demand than ever.

The role of the teacher never changes in my opinion. Their role is, subject to government intervention, to ensure that children have an equal opportunity to learn and that they attain certain standards. A new piece of technology is neither here nor there and may or may not become another tool that the teacher may employ in order to help their students learn. What is required is the support that will enable teachers to understand and evaluate how new technology can enhance their teaching.

Perhaps the methods used to teach changed when schools could afford their own libraries, perhaps when schools had language labs, computer rooms, internet access, etc. But never the teachers role.

Yup, questions on a discussion board are definitely posed to provoke discussion 

Although I didn't pose this one I'm surprised that there has not been more response although it's fair to say that most, if not all, of our members are busy running schools, teaching students, writing lesson plans, etc to post an immediate viewpoint but that's the joy of these boards - it's like a short exchange of ideas over a long period. So come on people, a penny, euro, dollar, etc for your thoughts 

I think you have raised a thought provoking point here Dan. Those children who have ready access to the internet say, via a home computer, already have an enormous resource of information at their fingertips that may enable them to manage some of their own learning. Of course the domestic or local library PC is being used to assist in the preparation of homework. Presumably this is regarded as part of the normal educational terrain for teachers. Now (or soon) as you suggest, the ownership of a personal, always-on, connected, handheld computer by every student will offer the prospect for every student to have constant access to a range of experts on every subject from outside the class beyond the teacher, while they are in the class.

I can imagine the potential for chaos, especially when a teacher is charged with the responsibility of keeping their charges within a pre-set curriculum. Nearly 90% of 14-18 year olds in the UK have mobile phones and clearly love mobile gadgets so it's not a huge leap in imagination to see a migration to smarter connected technology thus making the above scenario an "around the corner" reality. The banning of mobile phones in schools has a lot of merit - even grown-up private members clubs and up-market restaurants ban them as a consequence of the attention defeating cacophony of ringtones and people talking into mid-air like hungry birds. But clearly an active mobile information appliance is a different thing entirely. I suppose a question is whether it is regarded as a research tool or a learning tool or both and then who's in charge of the learning?

I wonder what happened when books were introduced into the classroom and how/if the teachers role changed or adapted? Books are traditionally linear experiences but that's not the case with most information and entertainment based experiences today. So possibly, in addition, to "ensuring that children have an equal opportunity to learn and that they attain certain standards" as FireStarter puts it, perhaps we also want to ensure that they are equipped with the skills to navigate their life long learning journey using the tools that are part of their world.

Regarding the role of teacher in a high-tech community of learners, Mark hit the nail on the head.  The "sage on the stage" is out as well as the facilitator on the side.  The teacher (in the words of a very dear friend of mine) becomes the "learner on the burner."  It is about the journey of teaching students (and one's self) to be life-long learners.  I think the teacher becomes a true assessor of students learning/skills, as well as a part of the learning process.  When teachers work in a true technology integrated classroom the potential for authentic inquiry can take place.  Rather than answer questions, the teacher can ask them.  What better way to teach students to problem solve.  Why tell them answers when they can be taught to find their own answers.  The curriculum (thanks to standards) is pretty well determined by the state.  The teacher sets the stage for the events that lead to student understanding and mastery of the skills.  In reality, with the wealth of information available to students and the tools they have available, as a teacher I would do them such a disservice if all I taught them was what I know.  The world of knowledge is ever expanding and things in this world are not finite.  I believe it is our responsibility to present every opportunity for children to learn how to explore their world, their questions, their interests.