It is the human's nature, to make things easier! Although mobile technology can refer to portable and cellular phones most of the time, it's now a day transformed to include a number of other devices and gadgets like tablets, pads, mini computers...etc. Mobile technology also grow with the computer technology growth, hardware and software, design, performance, and usability, to be more than just a communication tools to become a smart multi-function devices.If you look into the past 10 years for example, mobile phones were just devices to store phone numbers, make and receive calls, and maybe texting and some settings that allow you to change ring tones.
Today, these devices move to take over and replace other technologies such as digital cameras, navigation units, web access and browser, gaming devices, recorders, music and movie players, remote controllers...etc. They even became computers. With all of these capabilities, mobile technology is transforming to become a today's choice swiss army knife with a torch and compass that enables more uses and innovations. As for teaching and learning, three years ago I was thinking if there is word process that I can install on my mobile device, and I've been told "there's an app for that". As a student, I found myself reading and writing on the go, almost everywhere, and anytime. I found myself with a tool that increased my performance and development, and eliminated the need for other technologies, and in the same time, enabled for exposure to new technologies. Although mobile technology still in the control of aggressive market and pricing issues, it become the choice for easier, convenience, cheaper, practical educational uses, or in other terms "efficiencies and effectiveness". I believe it's new era for students who will carry small pouches instead of big back bags of books, rulers, calculators, recorders, cameras, and even pens and pencils.
The Horizon Report 2011 @ http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/HR2011.pdf
