The Technological Ecosystem

Abstract

Mobile devices are increasingly part of a multiscreen ecosystem. This ecosystem comprises mobile devices like smartphones and tablets; borderline mobile/portable devices like notebooks and laptops; and fixed devices ranging from desktop computers to television screens and interactive whiteboards. In the developed world, where many people own several devices, it’s up to each of us as individuals to work out the right niche for mobile technologies in the stream of information and communication flowing across and between our multiple screens. In other words, mobile devices don’t replace but rather supplement our other digital technologies (Hylén, 2012; Pettit & Kukulska-Hulme, 2011). In fact, different mobile devices can also complement each other, as pointed out by Mike Levy (see Vignette 3 below) in his survey of tools used in a technologies and language learning course in Australia.