Online mobile games & social network access

I looked at this topic of discussion considering wireless technology: issues and opportunities for improved workflow.

The use of online mobile games and mobile social networks as a tool in education is in its infancy. With the advent of the Smartphones and improved 3G networks the possibilities of using mobile media have been greatly enhanced. The potential of new pedagogies are apparent and with easier access to the Internet using mobile phones will influence a new paradigm in education.
Mobile online games are/will be developed to assist students to be active learners across all key learning areas and social networks will provide forums for discussions and collaborative work in the creation of products they care share with other students anywhere in the world.
ComScore Inc. reports that in the US, for the 3 month period to January, o9, 35% of mobile phone consumers use mobile media (this figure excludes those who only use texts), that is they use their phone to browse, download or use an application. They also report that users are steadily growing, with nearly 50% of US users who have a mobile device that is 6 months old or less now use mobile media.
Speed is an important factor and 3G networks have gone a long way in addressing this. Also as the networks grow more people will have access to it. I live in a rural community and we have had great problems with mobile reception, but the 3G network has started to turn this around. A big advantage I can see in using online mobile media is that as unlimited usage costs become cheaper they will become an affordable option.
Logistically I can see that schools, especially those who are in low socio economic areas will be able to provide each student with a Smartphone and access to the mobile wireless network at a far cheaper cost than buying a laptop and connecting through a traditional network. Our school is currently planning to upgrade cabling in our school and the projected costs are looking like we will be spending $20,000 dollars.
Like with all new technologies being integrated into the school curriculum online mobile games and social networks need to be substantive and encourage higher order thinking to be a valuable tool in education.