Cell phone; instructional tool OR annoying communicating device???
Without a doubt, cell phones can cause serious disruption in the classroom. From urgent text messages flying across the room to lessons interrupted by rap-song ringtones, these gadgets are responsible for nationwide frustration among educators. And, in extreme cases, students have used their cell phones to cheat on tests and harass other students, even during class time. While such disturbances are certainly a nuisance in school, not all teachers see cell phones as the enemy. In fact, for some, they’ve become a teaching solution
;Why and how
Smart phones now have hundreds of applications meant to educate kids — from graphic calculators to animation programs that teach spelling and phonics.
In the article Cell phones have much potential in classrooms there was this middle school teacher who did not have enough calculators for those testing, and he allowed them to use their cell phones and from then on he started incorporating it in his lessons. the students actually had ideas in taking pictures of the assignment and sending it to the students who are absent.
this video also shows the use of cell phone in classroom.
All this is good but then schools have policies and procedures that have to be followed.For some institutions this may be a decision of the school board. Not to say that you are to sit and be passive Get proactive,as an administator ,present a plan to the board , showing research data ,of course show how the diciplinary concerns will be handled. Request a pilot pilot program to start with.
Yes, there can be confusion and disruptions, so school policies will have to be firmly implemented. Students will want to do their own thing sometimes, just have to firm with the consequences. Enjoyed reading you highlighted some good points. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThis course really underscored some of the points you made especially how important it is to teach internet etiquette. You shared some good points and thanks for sharing. It has been great sharing our thoughts through this course, I really looked forward to seeing what medium of presentation you'll use next; there was always an element of surprise. Thank you my dear and great post.
ReplyDeleteLike I commented on another colleagues page I think a lot of these policies about the use of cell phones in schools needs to be reformed....in this technological era the benefits are obvious.
ReplyDeleteWhile i agree that these modern day Cell Phones can do far more than just talk or text, i dont believe it is ready to be implemented in the classroom with strict policies and guidelines. We are teaching students that are smart and will find ways to use the cell phon eother than educational purposes. While we can monitor the traffic flow of laptops, how are we going to do that with individual cell phones?
ReplyDeleteThe cell phone use in classrooms is challenging but remember Vicki Davis showed us it was possible. We just have to be smart and vigilant. Hopefully that will be enough. Control the use as Vicki di is also another solution.
ReplyDeleteYes Janet and that is of course having excellent classroom management skills
ReplyDeleteNot saying its impossible but if you look at the last paragraph , I indicated that there should be good plan in place , how disciplinay issues will be handled , how and when cell phones will be used.
ReplyDeleteI use laptop in my classes and because they take a couple of minutes to come on, the students understand that they power it on and then bring the lid down until we are ready for them.
Do you let them keep the phones out when you are not using?
Good questions and good suggestions. I particularly like "Request a pilot pilot program to start with..." Yes, indeed!
ReplyDeleteAs Noemi's post indicated, your students are already using phones in school...you just may not be aware of it. As with other aspects of web technology, do we try to ban it or do we incorporate it and work on our digital native's social and ethical skills?