I was really interested when cellphones were brought up as a technology in the classroom and I was also very skeptical. So I did some research and this is what I found on a blog
10 Ideas for Using Cell Phones in Education
- Student response polling or pop quizzes (no need to invest in additional devices)
- Use sms to find definitions, currency conversion, math equations, translation and more
- Use as an internet browser to access endless information
- Research
- Read news articles and current events
- Download and use education programs such as Google Maps and use as GPS
- Use as a digital or video camera to accompany school projects, publishing, etc.
- Educate students on appropriate and acceptable social use
- Use the voice technology to share engaging lectures or lessons
After reading though these ideas, it seems like cellphones are taking over the roles of computers to surf the internet, read books, news articles, and other computer related concepts. But I do think there are positives. I think that students polling would be quick and easy and utilizing cell phones would be great! We use clickers in our classrooms now and cellphones could easily turn into this type of devise. I also think that using cell phones as homework reminders would be beneficial as well because older students do have use to cell phones.
I do however hold onto many negatives. If we as teachers and educators condone the use of cell phones in the classroom how do we know our students aren't texting and surfing the internet in inappropriate ways? Yes many students have cell phones, but what about the students who do not? Plus, I don't even have internet on my cell phone and with a whopping 30 extra dollars a month I don't think I'll ever have internet access. So then who are we asking to pay for these school related cell phones? Parents? School districts? The uses above can all be done on a computer and although there are some benefits like homework reminders and quick polls what happened to the old fashioned way of taking a class vote with your head down?
I have been supportive of almost all of the technology I have researched but this one seems a little far fetched for me. As an elementary education teacher I don't think I would use cell phones but I would rather email students about homework and have students read books the old fashioned way.
I have thought about cell phones as well in the classroom. I agree with your concerns with the cell phone use of the students. Personally, I think as public school teachers we can not assume that everyone in our classroom can afford cell phones and their parents let them bring them to school. Then some of the programs require texting and some students may not have a texting plan. I think your thoughts and concerns about cell phones are why most teachers have not been using them yet!!
ReplyDeleteI have thought about cell phones as well in the classroom. I agree with your concerns with the cell phone use of the students. Personally, I think as public school teachers we can not assume that everyone in our classroom can afford cell phones and their parents let them bring them to school. Then some of the programs require texting and some students may not have a texting plan. I think your thoughts and concerns about cell phones are why most teachers have not been using them yet!!
ReplyDelete