Mobile phones are an essential part of our lives nowadays, be it at work or school. However, it wasn?t always like this. When mobile phones were in the beginning phase of their popularity, they were not a welcome accessory at school. Educators felt very strongly about using cell phones in classrooms. While some educators may still feel the same about these super-gadgets, most of them have welcomed these gadgets with open arms. They use smartphones themselves and encourage their students to take benefit from the magical portals of utmost knowledge. Nowadays, university students are using their mobile devices to their full potential and gaining a lot of benefits.
In this article, we have shared how students are taking academic help from their mobile phones. So, continue reading to learn more.
1. Record and Watch Videos
While recording videos may seem like an entertainment activity; it does not mean it is their only use. Educators can use this feature to maximize learning. As we progress, our ways of learning also change. The students of today have a very short span of interest, and teachers struggle to keep them interested.
Many academic experts have turned to the latest gadgets to make learning exciting and more student-friendly. They record their lectures and send them to students to watch when they want. This way, they don?t miss out on anything significant even if they are not 100% attentive in the classroom. In order to keep students responsible enough to listen to these lectures, these educators also ask for video feedback from them. As a result, students use their mobile phones to stay engaged in their studies. Moreover, it doesn?t matter whether students have a used iPhone 11 or the latest Android smartphone because the purpose of this activity has nothing to do with camera quality.
2. Access Online Dictionaries and Thesaurus
Another great use of mobile phones is that university students can access helpful information anytime and anywhere. One of the most valuable tools for students is dictionaries and thesaurus. Nowadays, nobody can carry huge books of encyclopedias and thesaurus just to look for the meaning or synonym of one word.
Mobile phones have been highly beneficial in this regard. Students can easily download dictionaries or thesaurus apps from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on their iPhones or Android phones. If they don?t want to keep the app on their phone, they can simply use the browser to look up the meaning of a word in Google search.
Some of the top universities, like Oxford and Cambridge, have made their dictionaries available for free online. So, students can quickly look up the definition of a difficult word online without waiting to get home and open that dusty old hardback dictionary.
3. Listen to Podcasts and Read the News
Smartphones have been a blessing for those students who want to score straight A?s in all subjects as well as those struggling to pass a particular subject. Studies no longer stay within the confines of the school. We have the technology to learn-on-the-go and students are taking advantage of that.
With the help of mobile phones, students can access valuable resources like journals, online news sites, podcasts, and newspapers. Moreover, these resources can help them in a number of subjects, including English, social studies, political science, math, foreign affairs, etc.
While every student can benefit from podcasts and news, students learning a foreign language get the maximum benefit from these resources. The quickest and probably the most authentic way of learning a foreign language is via listening to native speakers. And there is not a faster and more accessible source of this as podcasts.
4. Use Learning Apps
Ever since learning met technology, they have been walking hand in hand. In order to improve the learning experience, several developers have developed learning apps. Students can find a variety of free and paid apps on their iPhones and Android phones. They can use these apps to learn a lot of new skills, languages, and vocabulary.
Besides, a number of apps that improve the critical and analytical capabilities of students are also available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Students can use their iPhone 13 Pro Max unlocked or a Samsung Galaxy S20 to download their favorite apps and learn whatever they want.
Moreover, these stores also have a number of games that integrate a learning aspect. For instance, memory-improving games or vocabulary learning games can help students a lot in their academics. These games are not a waste of time as they help students learn something while they play. So, in a way, they merge productivity with fun.
5. Scan QR Codes
QR codes are the new cool. Students can scan QR codes to access a variety of websites, audios, or videos. Most of the latest smartphones have QR code readers already installed in them. However, if your phone doesn?t have one already installed, you can easily download one from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Educators can use the QR feature to create answer keys for their tests. After completing the tests, students can self-check their work to know how they did. Moreover, these codes can also take them to relevant material available online to help them learn more about a particular topic.
The Bottom Line
The world is moving fast, and technology is taking over almost every aspect of our lives. We use different gadgets in our daily life, but our mobile phones remain one of the most used devices. Like everyone else, students also rely on their phones for a lot of things. In the past, educators considered cell phones to be a waste of time and something that interrupted students during study time. However, this isn?t the case now because, like everything else, the use of mobile phones has also evolved. Now, students can benefit from these tiny handheld gadgets exponentially because they have a plethora of educational material available at their fingertips.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
