Mobile phones set to become portable teachers

Wellington, August 2 (ANI): A pilot study at Howick College is examining the result of using mobile phones as a teaching aid.

The "mLearning" pilot at Howick College, which sees students use free software to convert computer files into cell phone study notes, is attracting global attention.

Students can solve a question using PowerPoint, or a video assignment to film and edit through Microsoft's MovieMaker.

The result is condensed into a format that can be transferred on to any cell phone with a media player.

"The kids love it because they have it in their pocket - it's a psychological thing as well as a study thing because they know that help is, literally, a click away," Stuff.co.nz quoted Howick College teacher Nathan Kerr, as saying.

Kerr's innovative method allows students to search Google for a free video converter or convert PowerPoint presentations via WonderShare freeware to get content on their phones.

"We're a lot more innovative and part of the reason is many teachers in New Zealand are given a free hand, with guidelines, while overseas your professional development as a teacher has been worked out by experts - it's top down," added Kerr.

Waikato University education lecturer Noeline Wright said that because children are already very comfortable using these tools, it's a good idea implementing it in their education too. (ANI)