Cell Phones in Education

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Comment by Wendy Gelbart on Tuesday

I have tried using cell phones in the classroom, but keeping the kids on task has been a constant battle. However, it is no different than keeping them on task while doing a computer activity, so their is some merit to their use. A few of the teachers at my school have started having the students use their cell phones for student/parent communication (both good and bad). I allowed a student to text her mom today to share the news of a good grade. I also have students text their parents if they come to school missing an essential school supply (pencil or a book).

Comment by Jeffrey Patton on February 4, 2012 at 7:44am

Being a technology teacher I am very intrigued by the use of cell phones in the classroom. I believe they do have their place as there are many benefits, however, I have been forbidden by my school administration to allow them in the classroom. I don't know if it's a battle worth fighting or not. I know their are advantages and disadvantages to both, but I feel like technology is never going to go away. If kids have these amazing tools, why not incorporate them? Any thoughts?

Comment by Ms. Lynda Hall on January 15, 2012 at 8:49pm

Mobile technology is the wave of the future.  Leveraging its use has many benefits from engaging student learning to maximizing technological resources.  In fact, when you really think about it, mobile technology is rapidly becoming a big part of our society.  As a result, it is my feeling that everyone affiliated with our education system really should consider incorporating mobile technology into their teaching practices.  

     One of the biggest concerns is student misuse.  This includes student unwillingness to stay on task (game playing for instance) to on-line bullying.  Personally, I have been very willing to give it a try but I must admit I have had my struggles.  Does anyone have any suggestions on how to introduce mobile technology that would increase student engagement?    

Comment by jasonbyma on December 4, 2011 at 4:41pm

When thinking about mobile learning I don't really think about "phones". Yes the smart phone is a phone and can make calls and text, but lets face it, that isn't the primary use of such devices any more. Though I am now a member of this group and mobile learning is valid, I can't see myself implementing the cell "phone" in the class, but more so the applications of which the device provides. In music education there are many apps that can facilitate learning within the classroom. We recently purchased an iPad 2 for the department and use it everyday. We are looking to add at least 2 more along with a flat screen and Apple TV. This will allow us to mirror the iPads onto the monitor to assist with learning. Currently we hook the iPad to a projector and use a tuner app so students can see their pitch. We also have many apps for music creation and fingering charts for most of the instrument in the ensemble. This opened the eyes and minds of our students. My top alto saxophone student ask if he could be allowed to have his smart phone in class b/c he added the same apps to his phone as the iPad. His section of five use his phone to tune, check fingerings, pitches, and rhythms. I can only imagine how much time could be saved if every section, if not, student had these phones and apps. Though answering questions doesn't bother me, but it would save time if the students could answer their own questions. We are pro-mobile in our department, though I still don't want students talking on phones during rehearsal.

Comment by Angela Engardio on December 2, 2011 at 1:56pm

I love exploring the different applications of pocket technology.  I am completely open to the idea of allowing students to conduct further research on their smartphones and iPods and have been for several years.  I have also tentatively allowed students to use cell phones and iPods to take class notes.  Tentatively because I mention this as a possibility, sort of in passing during the jumble of introductions, but it is not an issue I have pursued vehemently – until this year.  This year I have emphasized to my students the power of their pocket technology, how much faster they are when using their thumbs v. pen and paper, and the accessibility of their online notes using a Wi-Fi compatible device.  I have found more students than ever before using these devices to take their class notes, they are faster and more engaged.  I don’t fully understand what makes such a difference between taking notes by hand v. on a cell phone – why is one dreadful and boring while the other is OK?  But I guess to steal from those far smarter than I, “ours is not to reason why” (Lord Alfred Tennyson).

Comment by Willyn Webb on October 28, 2011 at 5:34am

The book is out, Teaching Generation Text: Using Cell Phones to Enhance Learning!  There is a lot of press and some heated debates going on regarding cell phone bans!  Check out the U S News & World Report Article and NY Times SchoolBook conversations and get in on the action.  Also, check out the Teaching Generation Text Blog to share your cell phone success story!

 

Comment by Julie Gill on August 10, 2011 at 1:52pm

The idea of students using cell phones during class time sounds really intriguing.  I am impressed when I learn of the innovative ways that districts are incorporating the use of technology in the classroom.  Of course all of the decisions leading up to these new plans did not happen without research and careful planning nor did they happen overnight.  Like many educators here, my charter school has a strict no cell phone policy. I think most teachers would be willing to try using cell phones in the classroom but I'm not sure how easy it would be to modify the policies set by our school and our managing organization (like an admin building in district).  Not to mention the amount of funding that has already been cut from the school budget.  To acquire the technology a grant would have to be drafted and submitted and then applied if approved. 

Putting all of the logistics variables aside, I think that it's to a teacher's advantage to use cell phone or other MLDs to support and/or enhance instruction.  If the increase in achievement data of students using cell phones in class compared to classes not using them is accurate, then we should definitely give close notice to that.  This generation of learners is accustomed to being tech saavy and to taking in lots of information at a fast pace compared to the generation of teachers instructing them.  It's not a matter of being wrong or right, its a matter of paying attention to the way that individuals learn best. 

As a parent, I look forward to seeing the ways that technology will be a part of my own children's education. It will definitely serve to increase their skill sets as they prepare for life beyond high school.  

Comment by Sandra Hines on August 9, 2011 at 6:29am

I teach a class to teachers about using cell phones in the classroom and presented to the school board to get them to change policy allowing cell phone use. However, I do want to caution you that most schools in Texas adopted TASB board policy against staff texting with students unless it is for extracurricular activities. Be sure you know board policy before texting or using social media with students. There are many ways to use cell phones in learning without texting or using Facebook.

Comment by Robert J. LaRocque on August 8, 2011 at 7:16pm

Many schools today have restrictions towards cell phones. The school I was at last year had a policy for cell phones that limited their use to before the first bell, at lunch hour, and after the final bell of the day. If phones were out at any other time, they were taken to the office and kept their for the week, unless a parent requested to have the phone. If the parent made the request, the student was required to take a one day suspension. I do not feel this was the best policy for our students. I would like to explore the uses of phones in the classroom for scheduling, assignments, videos, and the like. Does anyone have any ideas how to promote or foster an environment for cell phones? How do you get the students to focus on the tasks versus texting or updating their facebook? Looking for any insight...

Comment by Karen Delaney on August 8, 2011 at 11:47am

I am a third grade teacher and I say why not?  They have them and are using them so why not be the one to take advantage of this technology while it's hot!  Although I don't have them in my classroom yet!  I have been texting my students throughout the summer.  It was wierd at first but after talking to parents and making sure they were on board I have been chatting it up with my kids all summer.  The great thing about it is that I can remind them to work on specific skills they are going to need next year.  The best part is that I am helping my students see the relevance of spelling and grammar through their daily social communications.  The students' feel special texting a teacher and I get to make educational connections to my students' life.  It's a winnig situation for everyone. 

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