May 7, 2008
Using Cellphones in the Classroom (Constructively)
While some scholars may question the value of introducing leisure-associated technologies into the classroom, education blogger Steve Dembo offers a short list of ways cellphones can be used to enhance the learning process:
1) Check the spelling/definition of a word
2) Research a topic
3) Look up reference images
4) Pull up maps (even with satellite imagery)
5) Document a science lab with built in digital camera/video
6) Fact check on the fly
7) Mail questions to the teacher that they might be embarrassed to ask
8) Classroom response system
9) Take quizzes
10) Record and/or listen to podcasts
What are some other ways of constructively integrating cellphones into the classroom?—Catherine Rampell Posted on Wednesday May 7, 2008 | Permalink |
Comments
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11) Make sure your best friend isn’t bringing that jerk to the party on Friday!
— S. Britchky May 7, 02:36 PM #
12) Ask a librarian (via voice, IM, or SMS)
13) receive and store library-catalog-generated text messages of call numbers for books and reserve items
— jacqui grallo May 7, 05:48 PM #
While all of the above activities performed with a cell phone can certainly assist learning and research, they do not need to be applied in the classroom while a teacher/professor is talking. Multitasking is not for everyone. As it is, many students miss out on real-time events because the virtual reality is (literally) at the tip of their fingers.
— Ivanacg May 7, 06:44 PM #
Too true Ivanacg! I would much rather have students mind mapping the discussion and thinking critically about what is going on in class than fact checking. In group activities they can use such technology sometimes effectively, but they often get distracted by text messaging, IMing or Facebooking rather than focusing on the task at hand. In my informal discussion with students, they admit that they are often distracted by those activities and wish they had more self-control. When they say that, I often think, “hmm, I wish I had designed a more engaging lecture and set of interactive activities.”
— DW May 7, 08:15 PM #
Virutally all of this list from Mr Dembo has got to be either bogus or a gag but amusing anyway. He left out making a date with his/her sweetie for the evening. A student entering my classroom is required to shut down all of his/her electronic gee whizz gadgets. Useful before class or after but not while I am conducting a session for which I am very well prepared and modestly paid. It has already been reported that the latest atrocity called “Grand Theft Auto IV”: has been reported being used in class. Were I not too old to go to jail nor inclined to risk my rank, tenure and pension I would have smashed this device to flinders. Not worth it for another cretin who thinks the tuition he (or someone else) pays entitles him to whatever pleases.
— AW May 8, 01:06 PM #
No cell phones in the classroom under ANY circumstances, ever—that of course and especially includes faculty. Cell phones in class are a clear sign of the academic Apocalypse that is galloping our way. Gadgets are no substitute for sound pedagogy. Learn how to teach or get out of my classroom. Can you hear me now?
— Jack Mac May 8, 01:45 PM #
We used them as props for practicing writing technical descriptions and instructions in professional writing class, since everyone had a cell phone. That’s not really integrating their technology into the class, but it was one way that cell phones were useful.
— GB May 8, 03:37 PM #
Actually, number one on the list needs to be changed to: call 911 or campus security when an SMI student shows up with a gun in your classroom. Jack Mac, think you might want to rethink the ANY circumstances. Signed, Debby Downer
— Debby Downer May 9, 01:43 AM #
Sorry Debby, but in the remote case an armed intruder entered my classroom, I’d rather have a gun than a cell phone. Jack Mac, USN, Retired.
— Jack Mac May 9, 09:34 AM #
When seconds count, the police are only minutes away…
— Bob Dob May 9, 11:09 AM #
Multi-tasking for human beings is a myth – perpetuated by the makers of these tech toys. Degredation in psycho-motor performance from multi-tasking with cellular technology has been shown to be equivalent to driving while intoxicated. Why on earth would that be of any use in a learning environment? Turn ‘em off at the door. Reactivate only in an emergency situation.
— mad Maxx May 14, 01:16 PM #
Yes, Jack Mac, you are right about the gun, too. Nothing like taking this discussion off track! Our legislature is trying to pass a bill to allow CCW with 40 hours of extra training to permit firearms on campus. Anyway, I think the use of laptops in class is just as distracting and annoying as the cell phones, and I know some professors have banned them, too. So much for technology.
— Debby Downer May 15, 03:19 PM #