Mimio helps clear away the confusion when it comes to the different mobile devices and what they do!

There are so many options today for mobile devices that it can all get a bit confusing. This Quick Reference provides a snapshot of the different device types currently on the market, and offers some insight into the pros and cons of using these devices in the classroom.

The new MimioMobile™ application lets schools get the most from the mobile devices they already have by using them for truly collaborative learning and ongoing formative assessment. The MimioMobile app supports both Apple and Android tablets and phones*. Multiple mobile devices can be used together, along with MimioPad™ wireless pen tablets, MimioVote™ assessment handsets, and interactive hardware whiteboards and devices from Mimio and other manufacturers.

Mimio is pleased to offer Collaborate to the Core, an excellent guide to a variety of techniques and suggestions for creating collaborative learning in your classrooms. In addition, the guide offers a number of engaging collaborative lessons, organized by grade levels K-2, 3-5, and 6-12 in the following subject areas: math, language arts, science, and social studies. All lessons meet the Common Core State Standards, include tips, and can be used with or without educational technology.

K-2 students will enjoy working in pairs to practice translating a written time to the face of a clock, and working in small groups to distinguish between short and long vowel sounds. You can check their understanding of the frog life cycle after dividing the class into groups tasked with reaching their own conclusions about the stages of the cycle. And they can break into small groups to practice recognizing the difference between a fact and an opinion, as they discuss sentences related to Martin Luther King, Jr.

When it comes to using mobile devices in the classroom, we’ve found there are many common concerns among teachers. Everyone recognizes the great potential of the technology for bringing learning to a more personal level and for getting students engaged by using devices they already know well. But most teachers worry about overcoming the technical challenges of mobile devices in the classroom. We believe that our latest release of the MimioMobile™ app addresses the key challenges, as explained below.

How difficult is it to set up and implement mobile devices in my classroom?
One of our main goals when creating the MimioMobile app was to find a way to easily integrate the student and teacher mobile software experiences into the daily workflow of our other interactive classroom technologies.  Our QR Connect process connects student and teacher devices to the MimioStudio™ software with a simple point-and-click. You scan a QR code with the teacher or student mobile device, and you’re up and running. By spending time on details like these, we reduce the technical barriers so that
teachers can focus on teaching.