Is student excitement enough?

[SMeech]

Is student excitement enough? 

I have read far too many articles / blog posts lately that heavily emphasize student excitement and using mobile learning devices.  Here is a nice example: http://www.twincities.com/ci_14045406?nclick_check=1.

While I am happy to hear that students are enjoying learning experiences, I
just don't believe this is a good reason to move into mobile learning. 
The shine comes off the device quickly.  Mobile learning tools will
become transformative when these devices are embedded in the learning
process and not when they are glorified tools.  What are your thoughts?

[Matthew Spears]

Excitement is great ... its what gets students to dive in. After that it is up to the educator to keep pushing the students to think as well as the device to remain novel in the students hands. With regards to the iPhone/iPod there are apps coming out every day that have the potential to transform classrooms.

Excitement creates a buy in value for teachers, students, administrators, and parents. Excitement can fade but can be regained.

[Stacy Harvey]

Student excitement is not the reason schools should start using mobile learning devices. We are not here to entertain, we are here to teach. Teaching now in the 21st Century means using technology and mobile devices are apart if new technology that will work well in classrooms.

[Erica Shidle]

When I attend conferences and hear how excited 1st graders are about the latest devices - I always wonder what will excite these kids by the time I get them in 6th grade. School districts cannot keep up with the gadgets - it is up to the educator to create engaging learning environments.

[Laura]

While I think the tools themselves are exciting and engaging, I think teaching students to use them effectively is the key. Teachers could either use them as entertainment in the classroom or as learning tools and knowing which is which is the role of the educator. In addition to just using these tools, teachers need think carefully about how to monitor use, keep up with the tools, and constantly evaluate and assess the outcome of using them. There are more applications and uses for these tools than just entertainment and learning with them is a realistic scenario. I don't think the shine will wear off too soon as more applications and uses for them are coming out and coming up in the future.

[SMeech]

Excellent addition to the discussion. Thank you for that ... The lesson plan cures all doesn't it!

Erica Shidle said:

When I attend conferences and hear how excited 1st graders are about the latest devices - I always wonder what will excite these kids by the time I get them in 6th grade. School districts cannot keep up with the gadgets - it is up to the educator to create engaging learning environments.

[Zack Gilbert]

It takes years to excel in the content you teach. Teacher tools can be looked at in the same way. Pencils are great tools, but it takes years to master handwriting. (Ask my wife who teaches 1st grade) You can not throw a new tool at a teacher and expect them to use it properly overnight. Mobile devices can be very complex and I think most teachers only see the shiny coat. You can gradually introduce a device as you learn more about it, but the device will not have its greatest impact until you have mastered it. Excitement is great, but mastery is better.

[Matt Wells]

We just began a 1:1 iPad 2 initiative in August 2011 and the excitement is in our entire community. I fear, like you say, that the shine will fade quickly. However, this is transforming our highly impacted school community right now. Our kids are proud of who they are, where they go to school, and what they can do. We tell them everyday how awesome they are and also how fortunate they are now that they are the "haves" in the district. Two years ago, families were opting out of our school thanks to NCLB sanctions and now families from across the district are signing up. 

Last year, discipline was a huge issue. Now students don't push each other in line because they have a valuable device in their hands. Collaboration, conversation and the skills to navigate applications are becoming sources of respect among students. Students whom didn't receive positive attention from classmates before are getting it now when they show what they have created or teach others how to get the results they want in an application. It is definitely cool to be smart at our school again. 

This is the best experience I have been a part of during my 13 years in education and I love the feeling of excitement in my school everyday. We are going to keep building and riding the synergetic momentum from this transformation in our school community. Ask me this question again in a year and again in two years.