Mobi

Yesterday I had the opportunity to hear a presentation from eInstruction on their newest gadget, the Mobi View. Earlier this school year I was able to hear a similar presentation as the device was quickly shown to my staff. It can be best described as a whirlwind.

20 minutes of quick paced instruction + lack of audience participation = zero understanding of what a Mobi does

For those who don't know, a Mobi is a handheld, interactive whiteboard that acts like a wireless "smartboard." Still, after 2 presentations - the second being much more user-friendly - I still do not consider this device anywhere in the Web 2.0 or 21st Century Learner domains.

The website and trainer claims it's "collaborative" and "student centered." But honestly, it's just another device that acts as a worksheet. A very fancy, expensive worksheet.

There are a lot of bells and whistles that come along with the newest Mobi. It interfaces with the Internet, Eduphoria and Cscope very easily. One of the newest features is the addition of a touchscreen - however it is only for maneuvering within the tools.

I don't want to sound like a pessimist, I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet the great people at eInstruction and I did earn a free Mobi View for attending yesterday, but I am most focused on finding instructional tools that put collaborative, creative learning in my students hands.