Introduction
Electronic learning tools have long been included in the educational process. Personal computers are used to perform laboratory and practical work not only in the subjects of the computer science cycle but also in various disciplines in almost all areas of the educational process. Together with modern demonstration tools, tablets allow the most efficient use of multimedia systems for visualizing lecture material: drawings, presentations, video, and audio materials. At present, the majority of university teachers already use electronic media together with demonstration tools when giving lectures, speeches, and presentations. However, some studies do not argue in favor of the implementation of tablets and other digital devices into curricula. The below discussion will explore the benefits of technology utilization in the classroom showing its significance even in light of the opposite position.
Discussion
The current study by Alexander and Singer – scholars in education and language understanding – has concentrated on the distinctions between consuming digital and printed media. They claim that it is incorrect to believe that students will immediately benefit from digital reading just because they enjoy it, while new kinds of educational technologies like digital manuals are more convenient and approachable. Contrary to popular belief, according to the study, paper reading improved overall understanding over digital reading (Alexander and Singer). Then, comprehension was noticeably improved when students read printed materials about particular queries. The main message of the mentioned research is to remind modern digital natives – and people who influence their curricular opportunities – that undervaluing the worth of the written word for academic growth and learning has major repercussions. The following ideas will serve as a foundation for proving this position’s inconsistency.
It seems that below benefits of digital devices in a classroom overweight the latter arguments. Teachers and students can get the necessary reference information at any time without the use of additional devices. Often during a lecture, the teacher needs not only to answer students’ questions but also to demonstrate the answers, which may contain photo, video, and audio data. Students, during the implementation of practical and laboratory work, can access the reference information necessary to complete the tasks. Using LTE, mobile devices provide Internet access independent of the operation of the local network, local servers, and gateways.
It also becomes possible to organize interaction between the teacher and students in real time. In a large classroom, not every student has the opportunity to ask a question and get an immediate answer. Mobile systems equipped with a special application that can transmit a question and receive a short, unambiguous answer in real-time will enhance feedback in the learning process.
Further, it should be noted the provision of the possibility of demonstrating lecture material. Today, far from all classrooms are equipped with modern means for demonstrating educational material: projectors with connected computers, monitors, and interactive whiteboards. Tablets allow you to demonstrate lecture material by transferring data directly to students’ phones or a projector or TV screen. In the latter case, the teacher does not need to carry a laptop with him or contact the administration of the educational institution with a request to provide a computer.
Taking into account the above aspects, it is possible to single out the possibilities for solving the following educational problems through the use of tablets. Using applications for remote communication ensures that classes are held without being tied to an audience. This opportunity will allow for an interactive dialogue with students who are in other regions, in medical institutions, and who are not able to be present in the university buildings due to family reasons (for example, those who have infants and young children), as well as students with disabilities.
The development and use of special applications for mobile devices will allow transferring of data from the teacher’s device directly to the student’s phones. This method of visualizing the material allows the use of demonstration materials in electronic form in classrooms that are not equipped with projectors and computer equipment. If you have projection equipment, you can connect a tablet or smartphone to it to display data, which will allow you to use pre-installed programs. This method of using mobile devices does not require the need to search, transfer and configure a stationary PC or laptop.
Further, this is the organization of laboratory work that requires the availability of computer technology. Today’s tablets allow you to run the same or similar applications as regular computers, so if there are not enough or no computers in the laboratory, students can complete tasks using mobile devices. In addition, tablets and smartphones are less dependent on a power source and can perform their functions during a power failure or power outage.
Testing is widely used by teachers as one of the methods for testing students’ knowledge. For quite a long time, computers have been used to perform testing functions. Tablets can significantly expand the possibilities of performing test tasks. For example, test tasks can be placed on a server that will provide access to them via the Internet from anywhere, within the coverage area of LTE, Wi-Fi, or other types of communication. Moreover, software tools are currently being developed and implemented that allow conducting surveys and questionnaires using modern communication tools. Such a survey takes less time and does not require additional printing of questionnaires on paper, and can be organized outside the classroom. In this vein, the discovery of devices whose names are matched with the last names of students will automate the process of recording class attendance.
In addition, mobile devices have several specialized features that can be used in the educational process. The use of tablets to control robots takes place in robotics courses. Today, such courses are studied in all universities with technical or information technology areas. You can prepare and download the program to the robot control unit from the tablet. Such devices make it possible to conveniently operate robots without being tied to a permanent place, for example, at exhibitions or non-specialized classrooms.
Conclusion
Thus, the introduction of mobile visualization tools, expanding the possibilities of distance learning, and conducting tests and surveys using tablets will significantly increase the effectiveness of education in higher education institutions. Using the specialized capabilities of tablets will not only increase students’ interest in learning but also significantly expand the technical capabilities of teaching disciplines in the field of information technology. All of the above allows concluding that mobile devices have a huge potential for their use in the educational process of the university. This undoubtedly requires further study, including the development of software and methodological support.
Work Cited
Alexander, Patricia and Lauren Singer. “A New Study Shows That Students Learn Way More Effectively From Print Textbooks Than Screens.” Insider, Web.