Students told 'turn phone ON for class'

The Daventry Learning Partnership (DLP) is championing the use of mobile learning technologies in the classroom – including mobile phones, MP3 players and handheld gaming devices such as the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP.

Recognised for its pioneering approach to the use of mobile technologies as part of the Mobile Learning Network (MoLeNET) the DLP is hosting one of eight cutting-edge Academies in the country. Delegates from education across the region attended a launch ceremony on Friday 12 February, and saw Dr Geoff Foot from MoLeNET present a plaque to Northampton College’s Len Closs, Principal and Tony Jewson, MoLeNET Academy Manager. The Academy, will become a centre of excellence for mobile learning staff development and will advocate the use of handheld devices in teaching, learning and assessing.

Tony Jewson said “We’re delighted to become an accredited MoLeNET Academy – we’ve been using a range of devices in the classroom for a while now and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve witnessed increased student motivation and engagement which has in turn helped improve attendance, retention and performance – which goes against the preconceived idea that students might abuse the privilege. There’s really no end to the benefits of using this type of learning as an integral part of the curriculum, and we look forward to working with local schools and colleges advising how they can roll-out this type of provision in their own institutions. It’s all about changing attitudes – learning isn’t all about using a pen and paper – it can be fun too!”

Based at Badby Road West, the DLP will host the only MoLeNET Academy in the East Midlands.