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Smartphones as Tools for Education: Getting Smart

With Smartphones

Introduction

The smartphone owner population is growing. Multi-functionality, portability, and

connectivity are opening doors for learning. No wonder students harness smartphone
technology to help them in education. These tiny pocket computers keep students
connected to the Internet, improving their academics. However, many students are oblivious
to the power in their hands; the power of educational apps, the potential for success.

What Is a Smartphone?
On a superficial level, a smartphone is a gadget that allows people to make phone calls as
well as use other features (which used to be found only on personal digital assistants or
personal computers) that are not common on a conventional phone. To further understand
what a smartphone is and is not, we need to look at its history.

Before there were smartphones, there were only cell phones and personal digital assistants
(PDAs). Cell phones were for calls and text messages; PDAs were used as organizers. The
latter could keep contact information could create to-do lists. They could also sync with a
computer. As technology progressed, PDAs acquired the ability to connect wirelessly and to
send and receive e-mail. As time passed, PDAs gained cell phone features while cell phones
became more like PDAs to the point of almost turning into small computers; the beginning
of smartphones.

The first, most successful smartphone was the BlackBerry. Research In Motion was the first
company to introduce different versions of the smartphone to the public. More firms joined
them, like Motorola, Sony and Nokia. Although Research In Motion was the pioneer, it was
Sony that first introduced the smartphone closest to what we know today. Sony was able to
do so with the help of PALM Corporation, the firm that was known for making portable
computers and PDAs. The Sony PCS phone was developed with PALM software. Users were
able to access their personal information manager data and make and receive calls and text
messages.
Smartphones have become part of contemporary culture. It was in the early 2000s when
Apple, Inc. developed the first iPhone with Sony. This caused a new surge for a higher-level
smartphone with more and better functionality while maintaining ease of use and wide
access. The iPhone became a “blueprint” for newer non-Apple smartphones, forcing Apple
to sue other firms like HTC and Samsung with patent infringement claims. Since then, Apple
has become the most trusted company when it comes to smartphone choice.

Smartphone Features
So what makes a smartphone smart?

First, a smartphone is smart because it has an operating system which manages the gadget’s
hardware and software. It is no different from the operating system of a desktop computer.
An operating system also enhances the gadget’s performance and battery life through
management of power consumption. The most popular operating systems are Symbian,
Android, iOS, BlackBerry and Windows Phone.

Another characteristic of a smartphone is the presence of at least one home screen. It is the
main menu display that shows the apps and widgets. Most smartphones nowadays have
more than one home screen so that the user can customize and separate the phone’s apps.

Speaking of apps, they are also one of the reasons why a smartphone is smart. Apps are mini
software programs that can perform various functions. They are also the reason why every
smartphone is unique, because each owner has different taste in apps.

Smartphones also have Internet connectivity, either through Wi-Fi or 3G/4G. Older
smartphones depend on GPRS or EDGE.

Memory is also an integral part of a smartphone. Most smartphones have a card slot for
microSD cards, but some have a very large internal memory space so that users do not have
to buy an external memory card.

All in all, a smartphone is like a very small personal computer. Loaded with useful apps, it’s a
powerful, pricey package.

Using a Smartphone for Education

Mobile Learning
What is mobile learning?

Every day, more and more people are buying gadgets to connect to the digital world.
Gadgets are everywhere: Smartphones, music players, tablet computers, laptops, netbooks,
etc. If one of them is used for educational purposes and productivity, that’s mobile learning.
Learning does not only happen inside the four walls of the classroom, it can happen
anywhere: On a bus, in a museum, at the zoo, in the living room. Portability is important for
a gadget, but a gadget is most praised for its ability to connect to academic resources with
just a swipe of a finger.

What can a learner do with a smartphone?

A user can now take notes and transfer them to a laptop or share them online with a study
group. Teachers can create presentations or flashcards. A learner has instant access to
numerous websites for questions needing answered. For video assignments, students can
record their films using a smartphone and send them to a computer for editing.

There are really a lot of ways to learn using a smartphone. Mobile learning is a gateway to
tools and resources. It makes learning more personalized and creates bridges over the gaps
between teacher and student. The great thing is that it gives users access to tons of content
anywhere, anytime. Mobile learning opens up the opportunity to learn all the time.

Mobile learning is not the same as e-learning. E-learning focuses on disseminating

educational knowledge through the Internet. Therefore, if there is no Internet connection, e-
learning is impossible. Mobile learning is only a part of it. E-learning incorporates mobile
learning through conducting learning activities on the Internet.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Learning

Pros:
 Portability: Smartphones are small and lightweight when compared to laptops and tablet computers. They can
easily be carried by anyone, anytime and anywhere. Mobile learning is now convenient and flexible because of
the smartphone’s portability.
 Low Cost: Because fewer materials were used for smartphones, they are less expensive than desktop computers.
 Energy-Saver: Smartphones run on smaller amounts of power than desktop and laptop computers.
 Connection: Along with their portability, smartphones also have Bluetooth and/or Internet connectivity. Internet
connectivity enhances student performance because students have easy and fast access to information, making
smartphones supportive tools.
 Personal Feel: Smartphones are the closest gadgets that anyone can have. They are more personal. Teachers or
students might share a laptop or desktop computer with their whole family and with their friends, but they will
find it hard to share their phone.
 Engagement: A lot of people find smartphones delightful, because of their touchscreen. They’re very engaging, so
learning can last for a long time. Moreover, students have different ways of learning. With hundreds of
educational apps available in the app libraries, students can personalize their smartphones and will be
encouraged to study.
 Good Use of Time: Most students do not know what to do during “dead time” like when travelling or just waiting
for a bus. With smartphones, they can now learn even when they are just sitting on a bus waiting for the next
stop.

Cons:
  Cost: Although smartphones are cheaper than desktop, laptop and tablet computers, they still cost a lot. They can
cost anywhere from $100 to $500. Besides, technology changes very fast so a user has to upgrade smartphones
frequently. Moreover, mobile providers charge monthly data use depending on the size of the files downloaded,
so large files may cause the cost to skyrocket.
 Size of Device: Despite the fact that small smartphones are good for portability, their size adds to the possibility of
getting stolen or lost. Moreover, their screen is so small; some users might find texts hard to read.
 Battery Life: Most smartphones can last only about two to four hours. Once the power runs out, it has to be
recharged, making it immobile.
 Usability: The keypad is too small on some smartphones making it hard for some users to type. Yes, detachable
keyboards are available, but that will just add to the cost.

Smartphones as Learning Tools

Will it really do good to have smartphones in the classroom? Can they be valid learning tools
or will they just add to the number of distractions to students? Although schools will
disagree on the educational value of smartphones, they have to accept the fact that, slowly,
smartphones are becoming commonplace as educational tools.

We all know that the problem with smartphones in the classroom is that they are a floodway
for distractions. This is the main reason why many teachers are anxious about allowing
smartphones in class. Smartphones might lure the students away from the lesson, instead of
pushing them toward learning.

Teachers should really reconsider allowing smartphones in class. Although smartphones

might look like toys at first, they can be very efficient, especially now that many app
developers are creating educational apps. Most of these apps are even free! It is just a
matter of exploring the App Store or Play Store.

Portability is another reason why administrators and teachers should reconsider allowing
smartphones in class. Bringing laptops to class is a bit of a hassle for students because they
are heavy. Why not use a gadget that can level with laptops? No, a student cannot type a
long essay using a smartphone, but they can still do a lot on it like reviewing, finding articles,
taking notes or even reading.

Smartphones are not completely alternative tools. They are just a supplement for classroom
engagement. Besides, it is not a good idea to require smartphones when many students still
use standard phones. This is just to show that smartphones are not completely or
necessarily evil. This generation’s kids are a lot harder to encourage to study because of the
technology that surrounds them. So why not use that technology to help them study?

Useful Smartphone Apps for Students

Despite the great built-in features of a smartphone, a student can only explore its full
potential by using apps. Here are some of the useful smartphone apps for studying.
 1. Google Chrome - Among all Android browsers, Google Chrome is the best because of its
smooth user interface. If students have problems with a website, they can just check
“Request Desktop Site” to view the site the way it is on desktop. This feature makes Chrome
the best.
2. Team Viewer - If a student forgets an assignment on their computer at home they can use
this app to control their Windows, Mac or Linux computer.
3. Dropbox or Google Drive - It is very important for students to have their files synced across
all their devices. Using Dropbox or Google Drive on their smartphone, students can rest
assured that their files will always be available.
4. Recordroid - Students who are tired of transcribing their teacher’s lessons can use
Recordroid to create audio recording notes. Files created will be sent to their desktop
computer via e-mail, so they can review what the teacher said at home.
5. myHomework - This app lists the deadlines for homework. It also tracks the difficulty level of
assignments, so students can do the easier ones first.
6. Dictionary.com - Some dictionaries are too thick to carry. The smaller ones are not even
complete. Download the Dictionary.com app and a student can have about 2 million words
available with just a swipe of a finger.
7. Instapaper - If a student finds something very useful on the Internet but doesn’t have the
time to read it now they can get Instapaper. This app turns any webpage into readable
offline content, so students can read it later, even without an Internet connection.

Smartphones as Teaching Tools

Smartphones can be powerful teaching tools. As mentioned earlier, app developers are
developing more and more educational apps. Users can now find reference books,
flashcards, calculators, and much more on a smartphone.

So how can teachers use smartphones in teaching?

Teachers can use smartphones for file sharing, especially if they have the Dropbox app. This
app is great for distributing information. Teachers can tell their students to make Dropbox
accounts and create class-shared folders so that students can just submit their essays and
projects from their computers or smartphones. Dropbox can save teachers time and paper.

Evernote is also a great app for teachers to use. It has a file-sharing feature, but it is mainly
for taking notes. Teachers can now share their lessons wirelessly to let students review their
notes after class.

A smartphone’s camera is also useful in several ways. Students can just take pictures of what
the teacher writes on the board instead of copying the information in their notebooks.
Students can then pay more attention to what the teacher is saying. Students can also
record the discussion, so that they can re-listen to the lecture later.

Useful Smartphone Apps for Teachers

What teachers need are the right apps. Here are some smartphone apps that teachers can
use inside and outside of the classroom.

1. Margins - This app helps teachers prepare for class faster and easier. It lets teachers take
notes about what they read. This is very helpful when relating news and media to the class.
2. A Personal Assistant - What if a teacher can’t find a student assistant? If they have a
smartphone, they can download A Personal Assistant. This can help organize thoughts, make
a to-do list, and prepare a lesson plan.
3. Attendance Countdown - If teachers want to track students’ attendance, they can just
download Attendance Countdown. It offers a countdown board and a calendar. This
smartphone app also helps teachers keep on track with their curriculum.
4. Teacher Aide Pro Lite - Just like A Personal Assistant app, this app can help teachers in many
ways in class. It provides all the organizational help a teacher needs.
5. TeacherKit - This app turns a teacher’s smartphone into a full-fledged personal digital
assistant. It can record the grades of students, rank the students according to their grades,
keep track of their attendance, and anything else a teacher needs. TeacherKit is quite useful!
6. Flashcards Deluxe & Flash Card Maker Pro - Although there are many educational apps out
there that can help with flashcards, these two for iOS and Android are the best. Teachers or
students can download about four million flashcard sets to help with teaching. They even
have text-to-speech features, making the class lecture multisensory, instead of just a visual
presentation.
7. WolframAlpha - This app is a search engine, but it is not the same as Chrome or Opera Mini.
WolframAlpha lets teachers search for questions and offers direct answers, charts and
graphs for many topics like mathematics, sociology, finance, history and geography.