It has been very difficult to make a lot of progress on my GAME Plan apart from the internet. I would love to get more ideas from my colleagues at work because they know our students and what might work best in our district. If I took this class during the school year, I’m sure they would’ve helped me brainstorm even more ideas, knowing the kids and what I teach!
I’ve looked into a few websites that discuss some innovative ways to use cell phones in school. Polling using text messages Poll Everywhere to have students answer questions or give their opinions on things happening in a story we’re reading in class. Students can also use Wiffiti from their cell phones to give their thoughts on a question I pose. These can all be looked at and discussed at a later time. Twitter accounts can be created and used as “microblogs” about topics in class. Students can discuss reading assignments and talk about what they are learning and what they still don’t understand. Google SMS to look up information, get an answer to a question, etc. Students just have to text GOOGLE (466453) and their request and the answers automatically are sent to their phone. Students can view podcasts on phones and then move into creating and uploading their own for the class to view. I’m sure there are tons more options available, too! I’m looking into some books that were written on the topic, but I’m not sure they’ll be up-to-date or have any more information than what I’ve been able to find online.
The only questions I still have are regarding the possibility that they might not let me do this with my students!! What if one student in my class doesn’t have a cell phone? Will I have to modify the lesson or should I not even incorporate the cell phones?
Once I get back to school, I will definitely learn more about using it in my own classroom at this time. By being well informed and having concrete ideas about how I will use cell phones, I think I have a better chance of convincing the “gatekeepers” that it’s a good idea! I will just continue to find more ways to use the technology and see where it can enhance my lessons! Having this plan has helped keep me focused towards my goal and will eventually pay off for my students. As Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer (2009) explained, having this goal clearly defined and by continuing to evaluate my progress has helped me stay focused and motivated.
Sarah
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (LaureateEducation, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Sarah, I understand how you feel. It appears you know how you want to enforce cell phone usage but are unsure of the authorization until school starts. My biggest concern is if students will even have enough technology for the lessons I want to teach. I guess we will always have to have a back up plan for those students who may have to go the traditional route.
ReplyDeleteSarah -
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! It is hard to really progress with the GAME plan without colleauges around. We are on summer break without a lot of our resources so I sometimes feel at a disadvantage. Not to mention, I collaborate with the computer applications teacher. It's hard to plan technology-infused activities without his input!
I like how you are progressing in your research of how you can use cell phones in your classroom. Do you have a back up plan incase you have students who are unlucky enough to not have cell phones? Or, what if they were punished and had their cell phone taken away? Once you can collaborate with your colleagues, I'm certain you'll come up with some alternative ideas!
Becky Armstrong