My thoughts on cell phone use in the classroom are good if used under the right conditions. Being that the cell phone itself is not the problem rather the behavior of the student using the cell phone is the problem. Cell phones are mobile, easy to use, and all students have one. Cell phones allow students to be connected to a world of information anytime and anywhere. Cell phones in upper grades allow learners to collaborate, create new knowledge, and share their knowledge immediately on the internet.
Google has made it possible according to the article, “Supporting Cell Phones Use in the Classroom “by Mark Geary to create SMS searches where you can text message your search query to 466453 and they will text back the results. This is a great way to get all students in your class involved in the lesson that normally would sit in the back of the class and do nothing. The students in your class will soon be satisfied with becoming knowledgeable experts. For example: the teacher can have the class text the word collaborate then have them from groups to discuss what the definition said. The cell phone cannot do the whole lesson the students must still do their part in writing out their finding on paper. The use of cell phones is a better practice that 21 Century skilled students are having fun with while learning.
Other classroom uses for cell phones are Jott.com which converts voice notes to text, MOBCAST which creates podcast using a cell phone. The uses for mob cast range from discussion board, journaling, and collaborating on projects. Emerging technology into the classroom is a great way to get instant feedback. Now that polleverywhere is emerging into classrooms it can be use to improve current core instructional strategies. As teachers to be we have to understand that technology is not going anywhere and both cell phones and computers will continue to be an educational device that will enhance learning. The goal of teaching is to get all students involved in learning so if I can get a student who usually is considered not involved in learning engaged by the use of cell phones in the classroom I am all for it.
My daughter uses her cell phone in school. Just the other day her AP history teacher asked them a question and no one knew the answer. He then instructed the class to break out thier cell phones and look it up. Everyone did. My daughter laughed because she texted ask CHA CHA. This really stuck in her mind so much that she told me about it because he went aganist the grain. After the students got their findings, they discussed where and how everyone found out the information and what was more correct or valid. What a great lesson even for those that didn't have a cell phones.
ReplyDeleteYou are right cell phones in the classroom are good up to a point if used for the classroom and not just for texting their friends about their day. If they are using them to look up things they don't know about and their teacher has assigned them to do this then they will be good to use. Just like using you tube to look up educational video would be good also but not just to watch stupid video that they can watch at home. Technology is only good if used sparingily in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be a good thing to be able to use cell phones in the classroom. The kids would find it more fun. I'm sure they would rather look up the answer by texting the question than having to read page after page in a book. If cell phones are allowed in the classroom then students won't be tempted to sneak around.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, using cell phones in the classroom for educational purpose is a good idea. Cell phones have become apart of our everyday life, and many students do not leave home without them. So why not allow students the opportunity to use them as a learning tool. Recently our instructor introduce Poll Everywhere to the class, and I was blown away, the instructor posted a question on the board and the class was told to respond by texting the answer “genius”. What a great way to get students involved, allowing students to respond anonymous is also good for those who are shy.
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