In Texas, the McAllen Independent School district has begun a program called Transforming Learning in the Classroom, Campus and Community that aims to put iPod Touches and iPads into the hands of all their nearly 25,000 students and 2,000 staff members, according to eSchool News. This latest report adds to the trend of educators and school administrators looking towards mobile app development as the wave of the future.
One way that educators are ensuring that apps students use are educational and complement classroom learning objectives is through mobile device management (MDM) software. This software operates through a school network or cloud and can approve or block access to certain applications. This technology can provide greater control over online environments, keeping kids safe and blocking access to undesirable content. School IT networks will see benefits as these systems allow GPS tracking on devices and increased web security measures. Custom software development companies can work with schools to design apps that target particular student needs and support MDM. It is important for districts to have a clear picture of what the total needs are before working with a company in order to best design integration platforms.
McAllen's network service coordinator Pat Karr is quoted as saying, "We must educate our users to be strong, responsible digital citizens. We have to change the mindset [of students so they know] that we are not managing them. On the contrary, we are managing the device and protecting our investment—both educationally and financially."
Mobile development training is becoming common in many companies as they turn to tablets for corporate technology solutions. Further, students may see increased demand fior mobile learning when they arrive in college classrooms. Starting students with technology early is the only way to be certain that they attain skills that are necessary for future success.
Some studies suggest that mobile learning can increase social skills when students engage in online discussions and video chats. Pupils can take greater agency over their learning experience because they can choose how they interact with course materials. Quizzes, tutorials and support resources can be custom built into apps so that students can have access to records of self evaluation.
Students with diagnosed learning disabilities can also benefit from the integration of platforms including voice readers and voice recognition software. Software development companies can offer full integration of these applications to address district-wide learning outcomes.
Contact Stacey Burris at sburris@csesoftware.com or 1.309.670.7595 and ask for a mobile learning demo today!
