About The Author
Author: Travis Allen // Category: 21 century student, about the author, iphone, ipod touch, Mobile learning, The iSchool InitiativePosition: Founder of The iSchool Initiative
Education: Currently a student at Kennesaw State University in Georgia.
Why I made this blog: It began with my parents getting me an iPhone for Christmas one year ago. I, like many others, enjoyed the endless list of applications on it and shortly after, began looking into educational apps to help me in High school. I soon realized the amazing capabilities this device would have in education.
From that point on, I was a Mobile Learner.I wanted every student to realize the unlocked potential and decided to share my opinion through a video, called the iSchool Initiative.
As I watched my video grow in views, I realized I wanted to do more and so I formed a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing technology solutions to the classroom. I created a website, https://www.ischoolinitiative.com/ , and began spreading my idea global. Now, with over 10,000 views, 800 facebook members, 400 people signed up for newsletters, and 6 employees, I begin the next steps to unite students, teachers, app developers, etc. to create a real 21st century education.
Now, as a college student, my iPhone has been an essential key to school life. People find it hard to believe,
but I bring only my iPhone to class!This blog is here to for me to talk about the different ways I use my iPhone in class and life, instead of paper, pencils, labtops, etc.
What this blog will discuss:
- How I survive college with only an iPhone, and some great apps, and how you can too.
- My favorite applications I use in school and out of school.
- Why I strive for a 21st century education through mobile learning.
- Talk about my ventures through the iSchool Initiative and the people I have met.
- Tips and advice for other students to become a Mobile Learner.
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Looking forward to seeing which apps you use...I'm a "non-traditional" student (meaning, in my 30s) and I'm taking all virtual classes. I consider my iPod Touch my "brain". Wishing success to you in school and for your program!
Hi Travis, Great idea to have a blog....here is a post about my grandaughter Millie and her ipod touch and what skills teachers will need to support her learning?http://flux.futurelab.org.uk/2009/12/17/teacher-confidence-and-competence-a-vital-issue/
Thanks for the comments Bob and madmommy. I'm looking forward to my new blog and finding out what you guys have to say in future posts. (Bob) I would be glad to read your post and help with your question soon!
Hi Travis,
Good to see you have branched out into a blog. It's a great way of gathering your thoughts and sharing them with the world. Happy New Year to you, I look forward to further insight on a student's viewpoint on mobile learning during 2010.
Hello, I am looking forward to learning how you use the iphone only in your college classes. What reactions have you received from classmates and instructors?
Most of my classmates and friends know me as the "iPhone Fanatic" and teachers, after I explain to them I am not texting/playing games, are fascinated by it. Several times they have asked me what I use and how I do it. One professor has asked me to come to her other classes and share what I do. In my business class, my teacher has asked me several times to come up and talk about my Company and how I am a mobile learner. Overall, I get a lot of spot lot due to my different methods, but I plan on making it as common as using a laptop. :)
As an educator and Apple enthusiast I am interested to know how you see your business generating revenue or how it already does.
If someone would be prepared to make the apps I have lots of high quality Maths stuff which could be shared out. In the next few months this will include podcasts and videos.
Stephen,
If you have ideas for app developers, you might be interested in "registering your school" from the iSchool Initiative website. As an iSchool Community member you can begin collaborating with app developers and other schools that have already signed up. The community would love to see what you have to share with us.
The iSchool's community is still in the building stage and we welcome any new members who are willing to contribute!
As far as my business and revenue, you are more then welcome to email me at Travis@ischoolinitiative.com to discuss this further.
Travis,
Glad you were able to get to Disney. What a cool place! The 3 apps for Disney are right on! I will get our next meeting squared away sometime the last week in January. I still have not shored it up just yet.
Talk to you soon,
Scott Kovatch, principal
Jimtown Intermediate