New Mobile Technology Learning Certificate for Educators helps prepare Classrooms for 21st Century

SAN DIEGO, CA — The University of San Diego's Mobile Technology Learning Certificate program has been proven successful after just one academic year in existence.

Responding to teacher’s needs for accessible learning on mobile device use in teaching and learning to stay “ahead of the learning curve,” the Mobile Technology Learning Center, part of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) at USD, launched the MTL Certificate program last fall.

According to the graduates of this program, the MTL Certificate is a success with satisfied students. “The most rewarding piece I’m taking away from this program is the ability to think more purposefully about integrating technology. After completing the assignments, I think more about purpose and connection to standards,” says Melissa Grabill.

The personalized learning environments that will be available to all learners in the very near future via mobile devices such as iPads, tablets, netbooks, laptops, etc, represent a significant change in the way “school” is delivered. According to the Project Tomorrow Speak UP survey in the last couple of years, 60 percent of high school students use smart phones (representing 5 percent more than desktops) and 36 percent use tablets. In middle school, the numbers tend to grow too with 47 percent of smart phones and 48 percent for tablets. These statistics are supported by teachers recognizing the value of digital content into classrooms. Administrators equally recognize the importance of mobile devices with 74 percent reporting that digital content increases student engagement and 50 percent report that it helps to personalize instruction.

As the only university-based research center in the field of mobile technology in K-12 education, the Mobile Technology Learning Center is a guide for K-12 educators and leaders as they implement and evaluate highly promising practices for students in the 21st century. The Mobile Technology Learning Center uses the research to develop and inform the professional development offered to provide current teachers, teacher leaders, and school/central office leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to successfully navigate the transformation to 21st century learning environments.

In the MTL Certificate Program, teachers explore how existing and emerging technologies, such as iPads, iPods, cell phones, netbooks, and e-readers are becoming learning tools and how they can be integrated into the classroom.

Scott Himelstein, Executive Director of the Mobile Technology Learning Center, says “we want to be a ‘living laboratory’ for schools and educators, by collaborating with local pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 districts, as well as institutions of higher learning, to test research findings and provide future teachers with unique teaching and research opportunities.”

The MTL Certificate is a unique online learning experience that equips teachers and school leaders with the skills needed to be effective educators in a mobile technology learning environment.

“This course was an eye-opening experience.” says Richard Carrigan, after completing the program. “I had no idea of the breadth of material and resources that are out there. This program has already made me a better teacher. Using apps like Socrative and creating project-based lessons make me a “Tech savy” teacher. Now, I try to push my assignments up to the higher levels. I have also become interested in the Google education teacher academies and will sign up for webinars like the BYOT Twitter discussion group. And, I am going to create my own blog (PLE). I need to be a resource for others on my campus.”

“Our certificate program can prepare teachers to effective use of mobile technology devices for assessment, collaboration, presenting information, and student research in common core classrooms,” says Rich Thome, Director, Professional Learning for the Mobile Technology Learning Center. “MTLC also offers “Train the Trainer” workshops that are customized to Districts’ needs. The use of mobile devices will facilitate a transformation in pedagogy creating personalized learning environments and making curriculum more accessible.”

Registration is now open. Tuition is $495/course. USD’s MTLC also offers a customized “Train the Trainer” version of the program for schools and districts, allowing them to produce a comprehensive mobile technology plan and receive significant savings on tuition. Contact us at (619) 260-4585, (888) 321-6658 or continuinged@sandiego.edu for immediate attention.

For further information, visit the website created to inform the public about the Mobile Technology Learning Certificate.

###

About the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, University of San Diego

The School of Leadership and Education Sciences houses academic departments, centers and institutes within Mother Rosalie Hill Hall on the campus of the University of San Diego. Among them is the Mobile Technology Learning Center. The regionally and nationally-accredited, innovative and vibrant programs offered within SOLES are led by an administrative team, faculty and participatory advisory boards for the school and the centers.?

About University of San Diego Professional and Continuing Education

The University of San Diego's Division of Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) offers a robust portfolio of courses and programs needed by aspiring professionals and evolves in response to their continued professional development in the fields of business, education, and health care. PCE nurtures key partnerships on the local, national and international level to better serve the working professionals who seek to enhance or build careers as well as with their employers to help achieve their highest value and potential.

About the Mobile Technology Learning Center

As part of the University of San Diego’s Graduate School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Mobile Technology Learning Center (MTLC) is the only university-based research center specializing in the field of mobile technology in K-12 education. Established in 2011 by a grant from Qualcomm cofounder Irwin Jacobs and Joan Jacobs, MTLC provides the research, training, and services needed to support school districts in their efforts to significantly change the way in which learning is delivered through the use of mobile technology. Using an innovative approach to align research and practice, MTLC is a national thought leader in K-12 mobile learning and a resource on the local, regional, and national level.

About the University of San Diego

Strengthened by the Catholic intellectual tradition, we confront humanity’s challenges by fostering peace, working for justice and leading with love. With more than 8,000 students from 75 countries and 44 states, USD is the youngest independent institution on the U.S. News & World Report list of top 100 universities in the United States. USD’s eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Knauss School of Business, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. In 2021, USD was named a “Laudato Si’ University” by the Vatican with a seven-year commitment to address humanity’s urgent challenges by working together to take care of our common home.