CoSN Releases Flexible Mobile Platform Report

The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) released an EdTechNext report, titled “Flexible Mobile Platforms,” which explores the fundamentals of mobile devices for schools – from their education potential to the pros and cons of student- vs. school-owned devices.

The report also details four components of mobile learning that factor into technology planning and decision making, and highlights how some school districts are successfully leveraging mobile devices. Education technology leaders looking for guidance on how to strategically integrate mobile devices into the education technology infrastructure will find this report very valuable. It is designed as a resource to outline the key factors that should be taken into consideration, and is part of CoSN’s efforts to maximize thought leadership on this issue.

This report outlines the potential educational benefits of mobile devices, including increased student engagement and achievement, increased competency in 21st century skills, and extended time for learning, among many others. According to the report, these benefits can be realized and mobile learning initiatives can be successful if districts and schools take into account the four components of mobile learning platforms – user devices, network access, software and learning environments and e-content.

The CoSN report also details the pros and cons of student- vs. school-owned mobile devices device. For example, regarding school-provided smartphones, the pros include device consistency and controlling network access in school, while the cons include the expense of 3G and 4G data plans and the need for schools to maintain a robust Wi-Fi infrastructure, among others. In addition, the report provides a comprehensive list of major mobile devices with their features and operating systems, and data network technologies and carriers – all aimed at providing educators with critical information needed for technology planning and decision making.