The time when phones were only meant for talking is long gone.
The increasing number of smartphones and technological devices among students has led to a redefinition of teaching at UF.
About 19 percent of students use an iPhone or tablet device for educational purposes, according to results published in a “Future of Education” report by Millennial Branding and www.internships.com.
“We are working on expanding our mobile apps,” said Jennifer K. Smith, manager of instructional design services at UF’s Center for Instructional Technology and Training.
The center is aiming to increase the number of lecture videos available to mobile devices, Smith said, and it has developed an application to create online flashcards to help students get ready for exams.
Smith said phones are being used in the classroom to incorporate instant student feedback and to promote interactive learning. Educational apps can be used for instant polls and quizzes.
UF geography professor Paul Ciesielski said technology allows for classes to be more convenient, interactive and affordable.
“Students these days do a lot of multitasking,” he said. “Sometimes they find it a little boring reading an old-fashioned textbook.”
Tablet devices are also widely used at UF.
iPads are available for checkout at Library West, and Stacey Ewing, information commons coordinator at Library West, said in an email interview that another proposal submitted for more iPads was approved.
But things don’t always go according to plan.
Melissa Espino, an overnight shift supervisor at Library West, said the iPads were intended for educational purposes, but many students seem to use them solely for recreation.
“Only a few use it to take notes in class,” she said.
About 19 percent of students use an iPad, like the one above, or other smartphone or tablet for educational purposes, according to Millennial Branding and www.internships.com.
