An Ecological Approach to Using Ubiquitous Handheld Devices in the Classroom Dr. Dorota Domalewska Stamford International University

Outline: 1. Ecological theory 2. Ecological approach to learning vs. mobile learning 3. Using ubiquitous handheld devices in the classroom

Ecology as a scientific discipline studies the relationships of organisms to their physical environment and to one another. Ecological approach to learning perceives learning as taking place in the interaction between the learner, the teacher and the environment in which they practice and learn.

Urie Bronfenbrenner: development cannot be separated from the complex system of relationships within the environment, which can be presented in the form of an order of systems: 1. Microsystem - structures and processes taking place in an immediate setting 2. Mesosystem - links between different settings 3. Exosystem - links between different settings when one of the settings affects the individual indirectly 4. Macrosystem - an overarching pattern of ideology and organization of the social institutions common to a particular culture or subculture

Complex relationships within and between the systems affect students’ learning process: 1. Family. Students who do better at school are the ones who come from a stable family exhibiting consistent raising style, allowing joint-decision making and monitoring children’s behaviour rather than a single-parent one in which children are allowed to take decisions early. Students used to a free style communication at home become better students and have more positive attitudes towards learning as they are more likely to interact successfully with teachers and peers.

2. Peers. Peer influence extends within the field limited by the factors that are closely connected with the function of the group; thus, in certain matters, such as physical appearance, peers’ acceptance is essential while in others, such as the choice of career and further education, it is less significant. Adolescents are likely to follow their parents’ expectations in future oriented situations as well as roles and their peers’ expectations in current oriented situations and identity needs.

3. School. School (especially post-primary school) is focused on developing cognitive skills rather than social ones; however, teachers ought to remember that both cognition and socialization are the main goals of school education as well as fostering the ability to learn or forming the necessary social and psychological attitudes. The development of social and affective dimensions is possible due to student- teacher interaction and technology-supported education can create an abundance of opportunities for learners to acquire skills of social interaction, cooperation and proper interpersonal relations in a group, turn-taking, face-saving or civility.

4. Mass Media. The mass media offer numerous educational programmes that are attractive for students. The use of educational and information programmes as well as films allows to escape the routine of the lesson. The mass media is an interesting source of authentic and descriptive language. The Internet provides a rich source of online materials for individual use, which increases learners’ autonomy and provides an abundance of opportunities for learning.

Ecological approach to learning vs. mobile learning: 1. Ecological approach emphasizes that learning takes place within the context. The context in the modern world is technology- rich. 2. Ecological approach does not confine learning to school. It rather perceives learning as a lifelong and continuous experience that takes place both at and out of school.

3. Mobile learning is learner-centered. Hence, learning process is based on nurturing students and supporting them, similarly to: ecologies that cannot be designed; they can only be nurtured. Teachers should build supportive environment where students can grow and develop their skills.

Using ubiquitous handheld devices in the classroom: supplementing learning activities; helping with classroom administration; facilitating students’ learning process offering collaborative learning activities that rely on the student’s interaction with their peers addressesing multiple learning styles and intelligences

Downsides of using technological devices in the classroom: cost; classroom management.

Thank you.

An Ecological Approach to Using Ubiquitous Handheld Devices in the Classroom Dr. Dorota Domalewska Stamford International University