Mobile Learning FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
FROM THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR BY RIC WILTSE
An Interview with MACUL’s Social Media Coordinator
By Mike Oswalt
The Horizon Report1 annually produces a list of six upcoming technologies ranked according to their potential relevance to teaching, learning and creative expression in the K-12 environment. These six technologies are ranked according to the horizon in which they will appear (next twelve months, two to three years, or four to five years). Mobiles were listed in the first horizon, the next twelve months. Few would disagree that we can see the impact of mobiles in everyday life, not to mention education.
MACULJOURNAL |
There are many rumors and speculations on who will lead the mobile device market. A recent study highlighted in the Horizon Report predicts that soon 80% of people accessing the Internet will be doing so from a mobile device. In fact, a Google executive was quoted as saying that for every baby born in 2011, 30 Android based phones are activated. Mobile devices come in many shapes and capabilities, from smart phones to wireless tablets. Whether it is Apple’s iPad or an Android based tablet, the point is clear. Mobile devices are changing the way we access information. Are we as educators ready to embrace this as a powerful learning tool? The point isn’t just accessing information using a mobile device; it is the meaningful learning that is empowered because of the mobility and accessibility it brings.
Mobile Learning continued on page 32 Winter 2011-12
Earlier this year, MACUL hired a part time Social Media Coordinator to help our organization promote initiatives, events and activities through social media.
In this issue of the Journal, I ask Zach Guy about his thoughts on the position.
Q: How important is it to use social media in promoting MACUL initiatives, events and announcements?
A: Social media is an easy, instant, and free way for people to engage in their community - whether that community is a geographical area or a group of like-minded people around the world. For groups like MACUL it is THE way to reach members directly and effectively, and let them share about MACUL with their friends, colleagues, and online community. With over 750 million active Facebook
“An Interview” continued on page 32
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