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SmartPhones in the Classroom

This version was saved 14 years, 7 months ago View current version     Page history
Saved by Roxann Nys
on August 5, 2009 at 12:05:37 am
 

Smartphones in the classroom? Yes, there are educational applications!

 

The cellphone industry is making a BIG pitch for using smartphones in the classroom. And, of course, there are a variety of opinions out there about using and not using them. My personal opinion--Why not? They are amazing tools, not toys, and so many kids are already carrying them around on a daily basis. Why not show them how they can use them to learn? When are we educators going to start connecting our kids to the real world? If we don't, I believe we'll find them looking elsewhere for learning experiences they can relate to...

 

I particularly enjoyed reading the eBooksAbout blog post about Smartphones in the Classroom which was written as commentary on a New York Times article written in Feb. 2009.

 

Another, more recent article [Aug 03, 2009 (The Sacramento Bee - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX] of interest is "Educators Look at Using Cell Phones as Teaching Tools" The article features how cell phones are being used in Joe Wood's science class at Somerset Middle School in Modesto, CA.

 

Recently published is a book titled "From Toys to Tools: Connecting Student Cell Phones to Education"

The book is written by Liz Kolb, a doctoral student at the University of Michigan studying Learning Technologies. She is also an adjunct Professor at Madonna University and a former high school teacher and technology coordinator. Liz maintains a website called "CellPhonesInLearning.com"  Inside Michigan Education conducted an interview with Liz that you can read online.

 

For more about using Smartphones in the classroom, check out Bard Williams, Ed.D. book Handheld Computers And Smartphones In Secondary Schools: A Guide To Hands-On Learning available from ISTE the International Society for Technology in Education

 

Expanding my Personal Learning Network using my Smartphone

written November 18th, 2008

I use Twitter (on my smartphone and on my laptop) as part of my PLN (Personal Learning Network) to stay abreast of what’s happening with those I follow. Of course, not everything everyone posts is earth-shattering or important or even informative, but I have found it a good way to keep “in the know” about many new developments/announcements about EdTech info.

When you set up your Twitter account you have options as to who to follow and who can follow you (I know, at first it seems a little creepy…someone following you…) but you have complete control at all times. Yes, there are spammers who will try to follow you, but you can easily block them.

 

Twitter will FORCE you to say whatever you want to say in 140 characters or less. What a great way to learn to be concise.

If you are using Twitter (or aren’t but perhaps considering it,) below are two very interesting links you may want to check out. BTW, Green Bay Schools is now using Twitter to update users about the latest district happenings! One of their “followers” is local TV station WFRV. What a great way to get the word out to the community!

 

If you’re a teacher–just think how many of your students have cell phones and access to text messaging. Twitter could be a useful tool for you to remind them about an assignment due or a test coming up or ANYTHING else!

 

Check out: 50 Ideas for How to Use Twitter for Business (but some great tips for educators as well):

Having trouble keeping up with everyone you’re following on Twitter? Try Twitter 100–the latest 100 posts from those you follow all in one page.

Consider Twitter–email is SO yesterday!

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