Cell phones in the classroom

Cell Phones in the Classroom

The debate of cell phones in the classroom has been going on since the 90’s. The popular belief is that cell phones don’t have a place in the classroom, and should not be allowed. By thinking outside the box, teachers and administrators are coming up with reasons to keep cell phones in the classroom. The reason being that cell phones are a tool that many students already have, unlike expensive software that a school purchases and students don’t have access to outside of the school setting.

Like all technology used in schools, the key to optimal learning is in teaching students proper ethics when using it. Cell phone use is no different. The benefits of phones in the classroom can only be fully reached if standards are set and followed. Rules need to be instituted in order to avoid misuse of the cell phones in the classroom. Grade deductions can be made if students are caught using phones during a test, or participation points can be withheld if students are texting or talking during class time when they should be working. Another idea would be to collect all phones at the beginning of class, keep in a basket unless needed, and return to students at the end of the period.

As a tool in the classroom, cell phones can be used as data collection devices. They can be audio recorders, digital cameras, or camcorders. For classroom projects, students can use a cell phone to create ring tones, text messages, mobile web pages, or mobile surveys.

As a good starting place, lessons involving cell phone cameras are a great way to get your feet wet. Photoblogger, Flicker, and Bubbleshare are appropriate for students and great sites for introducing student to photosharing, photoblogging and making slideshows.