Introduction
Mobile education apps and an insurgence of BYOD occurrences have reshaped the way students study and learn. Handheld touchscreens mean more IT demands, but they also mean that education resources are becoming more accessible for learners on the go and in a variety of environments. Expect to see companies such as Udemy and Grockit continue to carve out space here in the coming year.
Task
You will be visiting the Julian Mining Company and experiencing life first-hand as an early Californian gold miner.During this mobile learning activity you will use your cell phone or Web-enabled mobile device to access information about the California Gold Rush. This activity has been designed as a supplement to your classroom research and to make the most out of your visit.
There are five parts to this activity:
Process
1. Prior to your visit to the Julian Mining Company explore the California Gold Rush Website. This website provides information about the Gold Rush and its lasting impact on California and the United States. Research the history of the gold rush, the daily life of a gold miner, and the challenges that gold miners faced
2. Search YouTube for videos about the California Gold Rush. Watch these videos to learn about the history of the Gold Rush, and what you might expect during your visit to the Julian Mining Company.
3. Visit the PBS American Experience Website and locate the map of California. Identify the 8 major gold strikes in California.
4. Use Google Maps to locate the Julian Mining Company. Determine approximately how far away the closest major gold strike was to the Julian Mining Company.
5. Throughout your experience as a gold miner use the camera on your mobile device to document your day. Be sure to take photos that show what a gold miner's life was like. At the end of the day create a video to share with the class using the Ptch app.
Evaluation
Conclusion
Wireless technology is a way to provide new content and facilitate information access wherever a student is located. It enables, empowers, and engages learning in ways that transform the learning environment for students inside and outside of school.