Harness the Power of Cell Phones

Tamara Cox, Palmetto Middle School

VideoYoutube: Mobile Technologies

The World is MobileIt’s not IF we will use cell phones in class, it’s WHEN.

75% of all kids age 12-17 own a cell phoneAlmost 50% of middle and high school students own a smart phoneChildren under 12 are the fastest growing segment of mobile usersAlmost 60% of teens reported sending and receiving text while in class“Within five years, every K-12 student in America will be using a mobile handheld device as part of

learning.”YET “Over 70% of US schools ban cell phones”

Is it worth it?

Pros ConsFlexibilityAffordableMost students have their

own devicePortable“anywhere, anytime”

learningReach underserved

childrenEnables a personalized

learning experienceStudent’s choice in device

Some students do not have one.

Classroom distraction.Potential for unethical

behavior (cheating)Privacy concernsHealth concernsTeacher & Admin

attitudes- many still see as distraction

Lesson Ideas

Lesson Ideas

Ten Building Blocks for Learning with Cell Phones

1. Build Relationships

2. Embrace Research

3. Plan Activities4. Pilot Program5. Access for All

6. Partnering with Students to Use Cells for Learning

7. Parent/guardian Permission

8. Acceptable Use

9. Cell Phone Etiquette

10. Classroom Management

Real World Examples

Project K-Nect- Several NC schools participated to reach at risk math students. Overall, proficiency rates increased by 30% for students using the mobile devices.

St. Mary’s Schools: Every 3rd -5th grader receives a mobile device for learning since 2008.

Many more examples overseas.

Apps for Teachers

Resources The Ten Building Blocks for Learning with Cell Phones: http://www.techlearning.com/article/35696 Mobile Learning Lesson Plans: http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collection.jsp?id=766 Mobile Learning Technologies for 21st Century Classrooms:

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3754742 TXtn N D Library: Ideas for Librarians:

http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2010/11/txtn-n-d-library-ideas-for-librarians.html• Shuler, Carly Ed.M. (January 2009)

Industry Brief: Pockets of Potential: Using Mobile Technologies to Promote Children's Learning • Fredrick, Kathy. “Calling All Cell Phone Users! “ School Library Monthly, Vol 27, No. 6, March 2011.• Will Smart Phones Eliminate the Digital Divide?:

http://thejournal.com/Articles/2011/02/01/Will-Smart-Phones-Eliminate-the-Digital-Divide.aspx?Page=3• “Get Smart: Using Mobile Apps to Improve Your Teaching.”: http://www.nea.org/home/41992.htm• “100 Mobile Tools for Teachers”: http://cellphones.org/blog/100-mobile-tools-for-teachers • “Cell Phones in the Classroom”: http://radar.oreilly.com/2010/03/cell-phones-in-classrooms.html• “Going Mobile: Debating and Using Cell Phones in School.”:

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/19/going-mobile-debating-and-using-cellphones-in-school/• “Why Mobile is a Must.”: http://thejournal.com/Articles/2011/02/08/Why-Mobile-Is-a-Must.aspx?Page=1• “E-Rate Revision Supports Cell Phones.”:

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/newsletters/newsletterbucketextrahelping/887213-443/e-rate_revision_supports_cell_phone.html.csp

• “From Cell Phone Skeptic to Evangelist”: http://www.districtadministration.com/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=2200• “Cell Phones as Teaching Tools.”:

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/oct10/vol68/num02/Cell-Phones-as-Teaching-Tools.aspx• “Mobile Learning: Not Just Laptops Anymore”:

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/02/25/mobile-learning-not-just-laptops-any-more/10/? • “It’s not a question of it, but when your school will allow cell phones for learning.”:

http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2010/06/its-not-question-of-if-but-when-your.html