Future of Handheld Learning

Today we were discussing the future of handheld learning.  Our lecturer, Sharon, directed us to a website which has a mission to “inspire and educate creatives across the planet” Inspiration Feed (2012).  I believe their website does just that.  We viewed an article called '5 apple concepts we wish were real' and the ideas were shockingly amazing – entirely innovative and creative.  They were:

                                                               1. Apple iDesk Concept 

                                                        

 2. Apple Tribook 

                                                             

                                                                      3. iCom

                                                                     4. iCar

                                                                5. Flexible iPhone

You can access the article, here, which has more information and pictures for each concept.

I really like the concept of the Apple Tribook and can definitely see something similar to this being created very soon.  People already have alternatives to this, when sinking two computer screens together, but this could certainly be the future of that, and I believe it will be.  I would love one of these and can see many clear benefits to having one.

I believe the iCar is also an amazing concept.  Who would not want this package available to them, when purchasing a new car?  However, I believe some of the ideas that go along with it may be slightly far fetched.  For example, being able to control home appliances via your car, like pre-heating the oven.  Yes, that would be nice, but in reality – how likely is that to actually happen?  Maybe if you were a billionaire, then yes as many other inventions would need to be made and purchased prior to that taking effect.  For example, an iCooker.  This seems laughable, but who knows what the future holds.  One day, many years ago, I’m sure if the concept of a mobile phone was put to my grandmother, she would have laughed.  But for me, as long as I can remember, mobile phones have always been a part of everyday life.

When researching the future of handheld learning for myself, I came across an invention that has already been created, tried and tested at the beginning of its life.  It is called siftables.  Basically, a siftable is an interactive computer the size of a cookie.  They would usually be presented in a group, e.g. 10 siftables, so learners could have the opportunity to grasp information physically and arrange it in the way that they want.  Using siftables allows the user to think and solve problems.  I would love to see these being used in the primary school as I believe they would motivate children to learn in a new way.  Should you wish to hear about some of the activities and learning that can take place through using siftables in the classroom, please watch the video below.  I would highly recommend you do.

Video – David Merrill demonstrates Siftables

“Experts predict that advances [in technology] will continue to accelerate for at least 10 to 15 years” Brooks-Young S. (2010, p.5).  I most definitely agree with this statement.  Reflecting on the handheld learning has already gone before; I believe more of the same and better will appear on the market in the near future and will continue for many years to come.

References

Inspiration Feed (2012).  5 Apple concepts we wish were real.  (Don’t know where it was published): Inspiration Feed.

Available: http://inspirationfeed.com/inspiration/industrial-inspiration/5-apple-concepts-we-wish-were-real/  

[Last accessed: 19.03.12]

TED (2009). David Merrill demos Siftables.  New York: TED.

Available:http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/david_merrill_demos_siftables_the_smart_blocks.html 

[Last accessed: 19.03.12]

Brooks-Young, S (2010).  Teaching with the tools kids really use – learning with web and mobile technologies.  London: Sage Ltd.