Myths about m-Learning

     So it's no big secret that I support m-Learning. Ask me, and it's the best thing since sliced bread.  But, trying to convince my fellow ESL teachers isn't so easy.  Many ESL educators are reluctant to touch a laptop in their classroom, let alone try sending students a test over their phone.   Recently, I did a presentation to a group of ESL teachers at an ESL institute in Atlanta and found that the educators there were very much against using technology in their classroom.  My mouth dropped to the floor. I just couldn't believe it. m-Learning is AWESOME! After my presntation, however, I soon discovered that there are a few myths going around about m-Learning. 

     Myth #1-If they can learn English on a computer then why would they need us? Especially if they can learn it all form a website.
    Fact: LOL! Sorry, there is NO such website that can teach someone to read, write, listen, and speak English as a Second Language.  If there is, then I'll eat my hat.  As a teacher, you are a facilitator of ESL.  Students look to you for the answers, not  a computer. 

    Myth#2-I don't have time to sit there and sign up for all that computer stuff.
    Fact:  It takes three minutes or less to register for any web based learning and it only takes two minutes to download an app to your smartphone or tablet.  


    Myth #3-If students use their phones in class, then they will be distracted from learning.
    Fact: If a student is not interested in what the teacher is teaching then they will cause distractions. It has been my experience that often the most disruptive students finish their work very fast and get bored easily. If you show students how to use their phones as educational devices, I guarantee that they will be less distracted from learning and more into it.

     Myth#4-It's too difficult to learn how to use m-Learning.
     Fact: There is a plethora of free resources online. Check out youtube videos. That's what I did.

    Myth#5-m-Learning is too expensive.
   Fact: Websites are FREE and so are most apps.
    
     There are manymore myths about m-Learning out there. But no matter what perceptions educators have about m-Learning; one should never be afraid to find new and innovative ways to teach.

Best,
#mr.ford