Contribution to a panel discussion on the ethical issues of using new technologies in education. Panelists: Andy Black, Becta, UK Steve Wheeler, University of Plymouth, UK Mark Childs, Coventry University, UK Geoff Stead, Tribal, UK Frances Bell, University of Salford, UK

1. Mobile learning: the ethics no class groups informal learning personalised plan self driven disengaged, hard to reach, hard to teach at work, needing work! Geoff Stead Digital Learning Studio Tribal @geoffstead www.m-learning.org moblearn.blogspot.com

2. Mobile has always been about context ... surely the ethics should be too?

3. Quick poll ... Mobile connectivity will keep on marching into our lives ... and those of our students ... whether we approve or not

4. Worldwide mobile coverage & connectivity 90% of the world lives in a place with access to a mobile network. (80% in rural communities) 5.3 bn mobile subscriptions worldwide This is over 70% of the world’s population (up 15% from 4.6 bn at the end of 2009)

5. Worldwide mobile coverage & connectivity by 2011 over 85% of handsets distributed globally will include some form of internet browser

6. Getting the definition right Mobile learning is NOT just about mobile courses, but a blend of tools, resources, collaboration and context aware support ...

10. Talking about ethics In the medical world, keeping patients on older, failing treatments when there is a better alternative is seen as unethical

11. Talking about ethics Isn’t it unethical not to offer mobile learning to your learners?

12. Talking about ethics The ethics of m-learning are all about context It is unethical not to offer mobile learning to your learners @geoffstead www.m-learning.org moblearn.blogspot.com