Mobile technologies for learning. Multi-year project under the Comenius lifelong learning program
Background
Our vision recognises technologies are becoming commonplace within everyday lives but can also be used for powerful learning experiences in and outside of the traditional education environment. Our aim is to embed mobile technologies (handhelds) within mainstream learning in and out of the classroom by integrating training on mlearning within initial teacher training and in service training/continuous professional development programmes (CPD) to challenge teachers to think creatively about mobile learning and develop their confidence to try new ideas within the whole school curriculum.
Aims
MLEARN will reach at least 55 teachers across the partnership, teaching across 5 subject areas in 10 schools in each country (including primary, secondary and special), reaching at least 150 pupils in the pilot phase in each country (UK, Greece, Italy, Netherlands).
Technologies range from mobile phones to games consoles, low cost laptops to media players, social media platforms to media sharing networks and more in a world where learners are becoming more connected. New technological developments have the power to transform society, the way we learn, work, play, communicate and interact. Teachers are crucial change makers in this process, and it is important to see how they interact with new technological environments (mobile/handheld technologies) in both their engagement and delivery practices. Evidence from recent research shows the lack of investment in teacher training which would empower them to utilise these technologies.
The project responds to policy recommendations in the JRC Scientific and Policy Report “Key Elements for Developing Creative Classrooms in Europe (2012)”; and ET2020 Objective 4 concerned with enhancing innovation and mainstreaming the use of ICT in national policies and practices.
- Titan Partnership Ltd, UK – lead partner
- Action Synergy S.A., Greece
- FMD - Fondazione Mondo Digitale, Italy
- ESHA - European School Heads Association, Netherlands
- Hamstead Hall Community Learning Centre, UK
- Bloemcampschool, Netherlands