This week, I used the internet to search for ways cell phones can be used as teaching tools to support learning in the classroom. I found several videos of workshops that have been presented which provide a great deal of professional development in this area. I have also read articles regarding the pros and cons of using cell phones in school. It is still highly debated, but with sufficient data, I believe this piece of technology which most students come to school with will be accepted as a learning tool. Some research has been done where schools give students cell phones for school-related use, but I’m pretty sure my district won’t be doing that, since they’ve laid off many teachers this year already. I will be relying on my students to provide their own cell phones (which I know they have, because I’ve seen them in my class!).
I still need to collaborate with my colleagues from my school to see what, if any, they have done with this tool in the past. I know one teacher texts assignments and reminders, but I’d like to go beyond that. I will continue to use the internet for searches and look into testimonies of teachers who have successfully used them in innovative ways to support what they are learning in class.
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I thought the teacher in our Laureate video last week was absolutely brilliant, sending her students out with their cell phones to follow election day. She quoted her students with saying, “I’m so glad you made me do that! I would’ve stayed home and never seen what was going on” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). What great way to get kids involved in history. After I watched her, I spent some time searching online for lessons using cell phones, but mostly all I found was a lot of controversy. This will be a hard plan to sell to your teachers, parents and community.
ReplyDeleteI did find a great article in the ERIC database by Ron Schachter called “Mobile Devices in the Classroom”. He discusses the cell phone as part of the “’anytime, anywhere’” learning movement that leaves laptops and even smaller netbooks behind” (2009, p. 31). He offers some excellent ideas and examples of cell phone use in various classrooms. You should check it out; I’m inspired.
Kris
Reference:
Schachter, R. (Nov. 2009). Mobile devices in the classroom. District Administration, 45, 31-34, 36.
Thanks a lot for the tip on Schachter's article. I also found a lot of controversy and few lessons! I will continue my search, though!!
ReplyDeleteI can see why there is such controversy when using cell phones in the classroom because it is a privilege that some students will break when it is not needed. So many now take advantage of using it without permission, taking unnecessary pictures and video and posting them to sites like Youtube. Most of the time it is nothing positive either.
ReplyDeleteI know the positive impact cell phones can have in the classroom if used correctly and for the purpose of learning. It is a district battle and not many places I know of in my area will be open to having this type of technology in the classroom as of yet. If I share your article "Mobile Devices in the Classroom" maybe that can bring more positive awareness about it.