Abstract
This brand new publication from Simba Information applies Simba' s time-tested
analytics to the new area of mobile applications in the PreK-12 learning
market to provide crucial business and market intelligence on this emerging
segment of the school market. Simba Information is partnering with leading
education market research firm MCH Strategic Data to conduct a survey of
public school- and district-level administrators on their current use of and
their plans for implementing new mobile technologies, including, laptops,
netbooks, tablet computers such as iPads, smartphones and personal digital
assistants.
Survey topics include:
- Student usage of mobile technologies for educational purposes by grade
levels
- Implementation plans for mobile technologies
- Primary uses of mobile technology for education by grade level
- Disciplines and types of content most often used on mobile devices
- Funding sources
Additional Information
Stamford, CT - March 9, 2011 -Going Mobile in the PreK-12 Market and
found that once mobile technology is implemented, schools are reluctant to
give it up.
Although long thought to create behavioral issues in the classroom, pilot
programs using mobile devices in PreK-12 classrooms actually resulted in
increased student engagement and test scores. In addition, the report finds
usage of mobile devices increases the probability that special needs and
English language learners will complete homework assignments.
"There is a distinct opportunity here for mobile device manufacturers to
target school districts," says Kathy Mickey, senior analyst at Simba
Information. "With strong support coming from pilot programs, implementing
mobile devices will bring school districts closer to their 1:1 computing goal."
While budgets were frozen or greatly restricted during the last few years, the
slow return of local and state funds to education is pushing districts to
consider the cost advantage of purchasing mobile devices over widely
implemented net book or laptop computers.
"We' ve seen results of districts saving over $3000 a year in printing and
textbook costs simply by implementing full mobile device use in a single
classroom," notes Mickey.
According to the report, teachers and students become attached to mobile
technology, as it makes it easier for children to compete, find information,
understand abstract concepts and actively learn while in the classroom.
"It' s like finding a shortcut and then being forced to take the long way; the
mobile devices establish another method to teaching the subject," adds Mickey.
"This echoes a strong sentiment from school districts to have them in the
classroom."
Going Mobile in the PreK-12 Market outlines opportunities for mobile
device makers in the PreK-12 market, analyzing survey results from district
and elementary technology directors and coordinators, as well as providing
case studies of pilot programs throughout the United States.
Table of Contents
Methodology
Executive Summary
Chapter 1: Mobile Technology on the Rise
- Mobile Technology Is Coming to Education
- What Is Mobile Technology?
- Netbooks and Mini-Notebooks Join Laptops
- Tablet Computers: iPads and More
- Smartphones Are Replacing PDAs
- iPod Touch and E-Readers Move into Schools
- Future May Be Multiple Devices
- Reasons for the Growth of Mobile Technology
Chapter 2: Mobile Technology Use in Schools
- Overview
- Access Moves Beyond Early Adopters
- Desire to Raise Student Engagement Drives Mobile Strategy
- Laptops and Netbooks Are Widely Used
- Devices Usually Distributed for Specific Purposes
- Time Spent with Mobile Technology Is Limited
- Mobile Technology Used for Whole Class and Small Group Instruction
- Devices are Used Across Subject Areas
- Content Accessed Is Software Programs and More
- Decision to Purchase Made at District Level
- Funding May be Federal, State or Local
- Table 2.1: Percentage of Students that have Classroom Access to Mobile
Technology
- Table 2.2: Primary Reason for Implementing Mobile Technology
- Table 2.3: Devices Used by Students for Educational Purposes
- Table 2.4: Mobile Device Availability
- Table 2.5: Student-Use of Own Technology During School Day
- Table 2.6: Hours in a Typical School Day Mobile Technology Is Used
- Table 2.7: Primary Educational Purpose When Using Mobile Technology
- Table 2.8: Subjects for Which Students are Using Mobile Technology
- Table 2.9: Content Being Accessed by Students Using Mobile Technology
- Table 2.10: Where Funding Decisions Are Made
- Table 2.11: Primary Funding Tapped in 2010-2011 to Provide Mobile
Technology
- Table 2.12: Primary Funding Expected to be Tapped in 2011-2012
- Table 2.13: Single Factor Primarily Responsible for Holding Back Use of
Mobile Technology for Educational Purposes
Chapter 3: Implications of Mobile Technology
- Implementations Present Multiple Technology Challenges
- Choosing How to Manage, Control and Maintain
- Beginning with a Strong Base
- Budgetary and Financing Issues are Varied
- Costs Associated with Implementing a Mobile Strategy
- Budget Concerns Prompt Bring-Your-Own-Initiatives
- Implications Loom Large for Publishers and Content Providers
- Where the Content will Come From
- Tools Augment Content
- Mobile Apps Supplementing Text and Online Resource
- Content Competition Spurs Publishers
- Product Development Is Different for Mobile
- Mobile Learning Devices' Effect on Other Market Trends
- How Schools Change When Mobile Learning Arrives
- Classroom Management Needs to be Addressed
- Impact on Learning Seems Positive
- How Teaching and Learning Change with Mobile
- Training Must Accompany Implementation
- When Students Bring Their Own
- Equity and Safety Are Ongoing Concerns
Chapter 4: Case Studies
- Littleton, Colo.: Using Netbooks to Improve Writing
- Pulaski, Wis.: iPod Touches, Flexible and Inexpensive
- Canby, Ore.: iPads, Toward 1:1 Computing
- St. Marys, Ohio: Smartphones Become Integral to Classroom Life
- Katy, Texas: Mixed Technology Implementation
- Vail, Ariz.: Two 1:1 Mobile High Schools Lead the Effort
- Eau Clair, Wis.: The Start-Up Phase
- Forsyth County, Ga.: BYOT Program Takes Off ' Like Wildfire'
- Dysart, Ga.: Early Days of BYOT
Chapter 5: Conclusions and Outlook
Appendix: Survey Response Detail
