Harnessing Mobile Devices to Capture Evidence of Learning: A Guide for Teachers
As educators strive to integrate technology into the classroom, the ability to seamlessly document and share learning evidence through mobile devices has become increasingly vital. Utilizing platforms such as Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive not only promotes inclusivity and accessibility but also facilitates a dynamic learning environment where feedback is immediate and learning is continuously celebrated. This guide aims to assist teachers in leveraging these tools effectively, with a focus on both capturing learning evidence and empowering students to take ownership of their educational journey.
Why Mobile Technology is a Game-Changer in Education
The use of mobile devices in education offers several benefits, including the ability to capture learning in various formats, immediate sharing of evidence, and support for diverse learning needs. Here’s how to make the most of these advantages.
Step 1: Creating a Centralized Digital Repository
For Google Drive:
Setup: Log into Google Drive, create a class folder, and adjust sharing settings to ensure students can view the materials.
For Microsoft OneDrive:
Initialization: Sign into OneDrive, create a folder dedicated to your class, and set it up so students have view access.
Significance: A designated folder in your chosen platform acts as a centralized location for all educational content, simplifying management and access.
Step 2: Documenting Learning with Mobile Devices
Google Drive App:
- Navigate to your class folder and use the "+" button to scan documents or upload media directly.
Microsoft OneDrive App:
- In your class folder, tap the "+" icon to scan or upload evidence of learning.
Importance: This step ensures that capturing and uploading educational content is efficient, promoting real-time sharing and feedback.
Step 3: Fostering Collaboration and Engagement
Both Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive:
- Share the folder link with students and encourage interaction, including viewing, commenting, and adding personal learning evidence.
Value: Encouraging active participation in the shared folder cultivates a collaborative learning environment and enhances student engagement.
Step 4: Personalizing Learning Evidence
Google for Education Accounts:
- Making Copies: Instruct students to make a copy of the shared learning evidence into their personal Google for Education account. This can be done by right-clicking on the document and selecting “Make a copy.”
- Adding Personal Evidence: Encourage students to add their own learning evidence to their personal account, showcasing their understanding and reflections.
Microsoft for Education Accounts:
-Copying Documents: Students should copy the relevant learning evidence to their personal Microsoft for Education account. This involves selecting the document, choosing “Copy to,” and selecting their personal space.
- Uploading Own Evidence: Motivate students to upload their unique learning evidence, facilitating a personalized learning experience.
Objective: This step not only promotes ownership over the learning process but also encourages students to engage deeply with the material by reflecting on and documenting their own learning journey.
Best Practices for a Seamless Digital Learning Experience:
- Emphasize digital citizenship to ensure responsible use of technology.
- Utilize digital evidence for reflective learning practices.
- Maintain organization with clear naming conventions.
- Regularly review digital content for relevance and appropriateness.
In short…
in summary,Integrating mobile technology into the classroom through platforms like Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive offers a robust framework for capturing and sharing learning evidence. By following these steps, educators can enhance engagement, foster a collaborative environment, and empower students to take an active role in their education. This approach not only streamlines the learning process but also prepares students for success in a digital world.
Questions for reflection
How do you capture student learning using mobile device?
Would you like a video showing my setup?
Let me know in the comments below👇
