Power of Mobile Devices: Strategies for Active and Inclusive Classrooms

Course overview

This comprehensive 5-day course is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and practical strategies to effectively integrate mobile devices as educational tools in their classrooms. Participants will explore the potential of mobile learning to foster active and inclusive learning environments, empowering students to engage with technology in meaningful and transformative ways.

The course will delve into the use of technology in the classroom, focusing on managing groups, facilitating interactions, enabling effective communication, and sharing materials seamlessly. Participants will learn how to structure information, analyze, comprehend, synthesize, and generate new ideas using technological tools, enhancing the learning experience for all students.

Emphasis will be placed on adopting interactive learning approaches through the use of quizzes, games, and flashcards on mobile devices. Participants will gain hands-on experience in managing virtual classrooms, sending assignments, searching and sharing useful materials, and facilitating communication with students and parents.

The course will also address the importance of building awareness about ethical issues related to social media and web platforms. Participants will learn how to manage privacy settings and promote the safe and responsible use of social media, fostering digital literacy and responsible online behavior among students.

To enhance the learning experience and provide a cultural context, the course will incorporate a guided visit to a local museum, heritage site, or eco-conscious initiative. This visit will allow participants to explore the cultural richness of the area, draw inspiration from sustainable practices, and gain insights into incorporating inclusive and green dimensions into their mobile learning strategies.

Tentative schedule:

Day 1: Introduction to mobile learning and inclusive classrooms

Icebreakers and networking activities
Introduction to the course and participants
Overview of the course methodology and expectations
Exploring the potential of mobile devices in education
Group discussions: Challenges and opportunities in integrating technology in the classroom
Identifying goals and needs for mobile learning integration

Day 2: Integrating technology into lessons

Managing a classroom through web platforms and mobile devices
Structuring information and generating new ideas using technological tools
Hands-on activities: Designing mobile-enhanced lessons
Reflection and discussion

Day 3: Interactive learning with mobile devices

Adopting interactive learning through quizzes, games, and flashcards
Exploring image-sharing and social video platforms
Hands-on activities: Creating interactive learning experiences
Cultural visit (e.g. museum, heritage site) guided in English to explore local heritage and sustainability practices
Teamwork exercise: Incorporating technology into environmental topics / lessons

Day 4: Managing virtual classrooms and communication

Managing a virtual classroom and sending assignments
Searching and sharing useful materials with students and parents
Building awareness about ethical issues related to social media and web platforms
Managing privacy settings for safe and responsible social media use

Day 5: Inclusive and responsible mobile learning

Encouraging students to be digitally literate, safe, and responsible social media users
Developing an eSafe classroom: Strategies and best practices
Presentations: Participants showcase their mobile learning strategies
Course evaluation and feedback
Certification ceremony

The classes typically run from 9 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon, with the afternoon and evening reserved for self-reflection and individual study. However, the course schedule may be adjusted to accommodate the preferences of the participants and the availability of instructors or external learning locations. Participants will receive the finalized schedule well in advance, allowing ample time for preparation and planning.

Learning outcomes:

The participants will be able to:

Analyze the potential of mobile devices as educational tools for fostering active and inclusive learning environments.
Utilize technology in the classroom for managing groups, facilitating interactions, enabling effective communication, and sharing materials.
Structure information, analyze, comprehend, synthesize, and generate new ideas using technological tools to enhance the learning experience.
Adopt interactive learning approaches by integrating quizzes, games, and flashcards on mobile devices.
Manage virtual classrooms, send assignments, search and share useful materials, and facilitate communication with students and parents using mobile devices.
Build awareness about ethical issues related to social media and web platforms, promoting digital literacy and responsible online behavior.
Manage privacy settings and implement strategies for the safe and responsible use of social media in educational contexts.
Integrate cultural elements and inspiration from local heritage and sustainable practices into their mobile learning strategies, promoting inclusivity and environmental consciousness.
Develop comprehensive mobile learning strategies that foster active and inclusive learning experiences, leveraging the potential of mobile devices in the classroom.
Collaborate with fellow educators to share best practices, strategies, and resources for effective mobile learning integration, catering to diverse learners’ needs.

Course fee:

400 euro per participant (covered entirely by the Erasmus grant)

Course fee includes:

At least 25 hours of course content;
Course materials;
Certificate of participation;
Europass, on request;
Learning / Mobility Agreement;
Visits to local institutions, if available;
Personalized support;
Free high-speed WIFI internet at the POU Čakovec premises;
Refreshments;
Administration costs;
Dissemination materials.

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