Can Mobile Phones Be Used To Improve The Quality Of Learning In Open Schooling?

Abstract

Mobile phones have become ubiquitous. Almost anyone who can have a mobile phone has one. The amount of information and access to it has grown exponentially, thereby the potential for using varied resources for instruction and learning have increased. In this context, can mobile phones be used as an engaging tool for learning? If educational technology theory, research, and pedagogy are re-conceptualized to include the tools and knowledge that students already possess, then will students using mobile phones have better opportunities to connect learning inside and outside the school? These questions prompted in an exploratory study which was made with learners of Open Schooling in India to find out their access to mobile phones, the pattern of their current mobile phone usage and their perception on use of mobile phones for educational purpose. This paper presents the results of this study and provides a snapshot of the current status which can serve as a foundation to further planning for the implementation of ICT-related activities in Open schooling.