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This is an interesting article about the move to mobile learning even though it only has one example. (You have to register to get the PDF with the 10.) I also think that perhaps we are seeing a massive misuse of the term "microlearning" as it seems to be meaning different things to different people. But, either way, this is a nice summary of the move to mobile learning or mlearning as some are calling. But hold on, there's lots of buzzwords in this one.

This infographic is an impactful one helping school boards and IT departments understand the important of BYOD environments. In 2011 70% of the workforce between 22-34 used tablets and globally 46% of the mobile workforce has a smartphone. Using, managing, and maximizing these tools is an important part of modern life. Perhaps today's issues are helping students learn to focus, but keeping them out of school is shortsighted decision that will be looked back upon as a lack of vision... that is if you can help kids focus and help teachers encourage the use of them effectively. "Smartphones and Tablet sales will soon take over laptop and desktop computer sales: Don't stick just to books - why not let students use the technology they'll need in the future?"

Geofencing is a new concept in safety notifications. Schools can literally notify anyone entering an area (i.e. notify vendors and parents they must check in with the office when entering a certain area), leaving an area, or within an area of issues. This could be used to notify and protect students, teachers, and anyone on campus in the case of an emergency of any kind.  This article is one of the best I've seen about geofencing and how it works, although it is promoting an app (Ping4alerts) it is very useful for safety leaders and it directors to read and understand the potential of this very useful technology. "Hyperlocal alerts are a new capability made possible by the rise of smart devices and "geofencing" technology. A geofence is a virtually "fenced-off" area or geographic location. When this concept is applied to mobile devices, it refers to the ability of users to receive automatic alerts or notifications when entering, leaving or moving within a geographic area specifically defined by a virtual geofence. That area could be as small as a single building or as large as a state or region of the country. System administrators draw a square on a map through their portal interface to designate the location and size of the geofenced in area."

Right now, the iPad is being hailed as the best mobile device for the blind because it has voice enabled navigation. This article discusses the iPad, the Kindle and accessibility issues and information on both.

Hi Vicki thanks I've been really thinking about these readers for aged in nurse homes say with cams so they can speak to each other in own rooms and across dining tables etc there's a huge need for easy use large print readers easy browse easy communicate tool for elderly I cannot understand why this isn't discussed more?! Studies show 50% aged in care depressed. I worked in that area and can say huge needs there.....

Many commonalities are emerging in these NetGen videos -- one of which is the importance of harnessing the power of mobiles in learning. Whether or not you agree or feel that the students are being "whiney" (as many educators often think with such videos) -- there is a point to be made. I have particularly noticed how kids keep gravitating to the itouch and iphone as useful in school - it has reappeared over and over in these student videos. They were given free reign to picture improvements in THEIR education based upon the research of their generation and they keep coming back here. It has me thinking -- no conclusions yet, but really, they are teaching me.

Common trends of cell phones and mobiles in the classroom.

The new version of scratch (3.0) is being designed to work on mobile devices and be more finger friendly. Love this handy tool and excited about the upgrades!

The global film on the fly challenge. There was a challenge on March 14th - it is a mobile phone filmmaking contest.

Augmented reality and mobility and small and sensors together combine to form an embeddable invisible real time learning authenticity.

Barnes and Noble's response to the Kindle: The Nook. It uses the Android operating system (Google's mobile OS) and can install 3rd party Android Apps. It also has an MP3 player but does not have built in text to speech (so no UDL here) - If you use the free wifi at Barnes and Noble you can read any ebook for free - otherwise it is something that you need to buy.

A fun discussion topic with technology students, this blog post about futuristic inventions in wearable tech includes buttons that are really mp3 players, a dress with room for a sim card that makes it funciton as a mobile phone when you lift your wrist, and the one I want -- the Massage Me Massage Video game - that makes a game out of having someone massage your back! (Oh yeah!) This would be a great area to review and then have students invent their own.

This is a very viral video that a lot of the kids are talking about. (It came out LAST June but now is a hot seller on Amazon.) Neil Patrick Harris wants to join the Evil League of Evil. It is 42 minutes long. It is ironic how much of entertainment is becoming viral -- television can no longer control what gets watched - it gets "put out there" and then they see what is watched. In many ways, this viral way of video viewing is very interesting. Not saying this should be watched -- it is quite hot with many college students. I could see how much that is said would resonate with college kids. Listen to the vernacular - even though some of you may find this very napolean dynamite-ish. "I'm just trying to change the world. I don't have time for a grudge match for every poser in a parka." It grows on you -- stick with it. Oh and be warned there are few words in here. But, no rating to catch it! (not sure why not rating movies just released online.) This is sponsored by XO laptop.

Lots of resources from Tony Vincent. This page focuses on the many things you can do with an itouch in the classroom.

Jeff Utecht talks about how Foursquare exploded across a school campus.  Explains that we can not control our communities and the tools they use.  Instead we have to embrace.  Great ideas of how to use check-in services as motivators and simple rewards for students being present when/where it matters.  Provides great statistics to back up the claims put forth.

Currency beyond Willy Wonka- game participants in real life have to match their half with another's in the town in order to redeem for cash transactions this builds conversations and meetings that may not happen otherwise bridging class race and socio economics