Share Paper: Cognition, Literacy and Mobile Technology: A Conceptual Model of the Benefits of Smartphones for Aboriginal Students in Remote Communities

1. Genevieve Marie Johnson, Curtin University, Australia
2. Rhonda Oliver, Curtin University, Australia

Abstract: Indigenous youth in remote regions of Australia are disadvantaged in school and in life. While the reasons are complex and multi-faceted, improved connectivity infrastructure, hardware such as smartphones and highly motivating Web 2.0 applications may provide mechanisms by which to improve the educational outcomes of Indigenous students in remote communities. Based upon review of the literature, a pedagogical model is proposed and presented. The model organizes the relationships between web-based applications, Indigenous learning styles and life circumstances and the potential benefits of smartphones in terms of cognitive and literacy skills. There is reason to infer compatibility between Indigenous learning style ...