Cell Phones in Education

Comment

Comment by Aan Beam on October 26, 2010 at 11:16am

Cell phones create headaches and we know that. But then again, students talking in the back of the room, passing written notes, etc. The fact is that cell phones are here and not going away anytime soon. We can TRY to ban them but they will always be there. So as educators shouldn't we be educating students about the handheld device?

After eight years as a principal in another school (where we allowed handheld devices) I took a new job where they banned them. After a few months I convinced the staff and board to allow a change. We leave it up to the teacher whether they want to see cell phones or not in their classroom. Some teachers have signs on their door as you enter. We also did the following:

1. Incoporated lessons into a course we require all freshmen to take.
2. We used polling everywhere as a kick off to vote for the homecoming King and Queen (those without cell phones did it the old fashion way.
3. We continue to talk about the PRIVILAGE of being able to carry handheld devicies.
4. First violation teacher had student turn off device and turn over to the teacher who in return gives back at the end of class. Second violation device turned off and sent to office where student picks up device. Third violation device turned off turned into the office parent comes and gets the device. Fourth violation device turned off and sent to office where it stays until the end of the semester.

Our discipling is way done. Ways we have used the cell phone.

1. Setup so teachers could email from their computers but send text messages to students.
2. Teachers send out study tips or other educational information in the evening to students.
3. At one point we had a discussion board setup so students could send text message to one location and all students would see it within that discussion board. But there were some technology issues.
4. Had students create videos and send via email to teacher.
5. Some teachers work with students to use the device as an organizer.
6. Parent - Teacher conferences teachers had students take out cell phones and text an invitation to their parents.
7. On a few occassions I've seen teachers use the cell phone as a google tool to get information.
8. Teachers and coaches send out reminders via text.
9. Using Polling Everywhere in the classroom to check for understanding. Quicker then using clicker devices.
10. I once used it to get a message out in the evening to students about an issue they would face when they came to school the next day.

Is it working - yes. Is it working as well as we would like - no. We still have those moments where students forget. But as I've explained to teachers there have been moments where they forget as well. Instead of land blasting them use it as a teaching moment. As more and more kids get smart phones I see even greater opportunities.

Comment by George Grachis on October 26, 2010 at 6:24am

I see many benefits of smart cell phones in schools, they certainly help with student to computer ratios and more! But how do you manage cell phones in class when you don't want students using them? We have about 90 schools and some principals wish cell phones did not exist. I read of one Texas District that had their legislature make a law that allowed them to charge fines for using a cell phone when it was not suppose to be used. The District made a lot of $ and students gradually learned to turn them off when instructed to do so. Your thoughts and experiences? Thanks

Comment by Tamara Cox on October 26, 2010 at 3:38am

As the librarian I have used cell phones by texting overdue and hold notices to my students. I use Text Free on my iPad so it is free and does not use my own number. Students sign up to receive the notices by text. The system works well. I have also used cell phones and Poll Everywhere to have students vote on book talks and book trailers. our math teachers allow students to use their calculators on the phones because our school does not have enough to go around.

Comment by Willyn Webb on June 24, 2010 at 6:13am

I"d be happy to invite you onto googledocs to view the preface and chapters 1,2,3,4, and 7 (others in progress). You may use any and all of it. We'd love your feedback. I just need your email. Also, a sentence endorsement from a college technical instructor would be great (sending those the end of next week). I"m sure your busy, but it is a pleasure to connect with others on this.

Comment by Donnie Smith on June 23, 2010 at 8:19am

Sorry, just realized my caps were on part last post.....not shouting! lol

Comment by Donnie Smith on June 23, 2010 at 8:17am

Sure, let me know when FINISH THE BOOK. I would be glad to look at it.

Comment by Willyn Webb on June 23, 2010 at 7:20am

Thanks for your thoughts, Donnie. With a book like the one we are working to complete, "Teaching Generation Text" educators will be empowered to teach students when and when not to utilize cell phone technologies. Through the wealth of free ways to use cells to help learning, they become a tool rather than a distraction. Lessons on teaching cell phone etiquette are also included. Truly preparing for job scenarios like you mentioned make it imperative that we teach appropriate uses, when it is valuable and when it is social, etc. Would you be interested in previewing the book? Perhaps is could be considered for text book adoption for your community college course (or suggested reading). Just give me your email and we'll share.

Comment by Donnie Smith on June 23, 2010 at 6:29am

I think using cell or any other type of technology is great. We need to teach them in ways they are going to learn. Cell phone is definitely something they know. However, I am a community college technical instructor and I have another thought to pass along. My advisory board and many of the business owners that I talk to address the use of young employees texting or messing with their phone all of the time. Some business owners have even made policies that they will fire an employee if caught on the phone. Therefore, I am stuck trying to convey that they should not be spending a lot of time on the cell phone on the job.

I am not against using cell phones. I think it is a great tool. I just want to know if you have any ideas of how to address when they should and should not use them. If they are so accustom to using them, they have a hard time believing that it is really a concern. If they get fired from a job due to this, it looks like we (technical program) are not addressing this with the students.

Comment by Willyn Webb on April 20, 2010 at 6:07am

How do students and teachers feel about using cell phones for learning?
As educators we often make decisions for students without ever getting their feedback. Have you ever wondered how students feel about using cell phones in school? I have and I am interested in connecting with students to find out how they feel about using cell phones for learning. I've developed a survey for students to complete to get at some answers and I'd love for innovative educators to share it with their students. I'll use this information to share with others via blog posts, magazine articles, and maybe even a book. The survey should take 5 - 10 minutes to complete and could provide a great opportunity for an authentic persuasive writing piece for students. The survey can be accessed at http://tinyurl.com/studentcellphonesurvey. I'd be happy to share student responses with teachers whose class completes the survey. You can look at both how students in your class responded as well as students in other cities.

I also want to know what teachers think about using cell phones in class. Whether or not you can share the survey with your students, please share your own feelings about using cells in education at http://tinyurl.com/teachercellphonesurvey. Thank you in advance if you or your students are able to participate. Thank you! I know the information we find will be of interest.

Comment by Joe Fatheree on April 8, 2010 at 8:53pm

Three of my student recently shot this film on a cell phone. They edited the entire piece on Windows Movie Maker. It is a good example of way to use cheap technology to tell a good story.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• …
• 15
• 16
• 17
• 18
• Next ›
• Page