A few weeks ago my son Erik, a senior at Stansbury High, planned to come home for lunch. He asked me that morning to start cooking pasta for his lunch (to save him time during his lunch break). As I cooked the pasta I kept wondering where Erik was. I decided to text him. I asked, "Where are you?" As I was selecting who to send the message to somehow, and I still don't know how, I accidentally sent the message to EVERYONE in my address book! I was embarrassed. Almost immediatly I began getting texts from everyone--friends checking in with me and letting me know where they were at that moment. Oh, everyone except who the message was intended for...Erik!
The reason I share this graceful moment from my life is because some of the numbers in my phone are my children's friends. Although they were in school at the time and are not suppossed to use their cell phones during class, they all dutifully reported which class they were in. Cell phones are a reality in children's lives. I understand how they can be used to cheat but they also can be used in many productive, enriching ways.
As I read the articles provided, I jotted down some of the more interesting ways that a cell phone can be used in class. I really like the idea to use a text message alert to remind students of assingments due and/or upcoming tests. I like the idea of using the cell phone as a clicker--using the phone as a way to have the students answer questions and then displaying the various answers on the board. I like the idea of sending your students on a scavenger hunt at a museum--using the camera to prove to the teacher the student located all of the required objects.
Children enjoy using their technology. If it gets them excited about learning then I'm all for it.
Karen
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Karen this comment had me laughing. It does concern me that children are distracted in school by answering texts. But I agree that it has some great uses in the classroom. I like the idea of the scavenger hunt too. I think that the idea of having students putting their phones on the desk where the teacher can see it is a great idea. Kids can be pretty sneaking with those phones.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this too! I have had moments like that too. I think that it would be great if children could use their cellphones for great purposes like this. I am one who is very greatful for my cellphone, it helps me out so much.
ReplyDeleteI love this graceful moment, has happened to me before, I only marked the first 10 numbers though, but my message was much more personal, I had a blushing moment, and actually hid for a couple of days from those who recieve the text intended for my hubby, but it's all funny!!! I agree with you, cellphones are of great use for some things, but not all things. Scavenger hunts would be completely appropriate, as well as keeping the phones where all can see would be great, but when they are hidden and used for personal purposes, they become disruptive. :)
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteI had a similar situation happen to me. My older brother and I were on the phone arguing about our parents. We hung up, but brother continued to vent through email. Well, instead of just sending the email to me, he sent it to everyone in my address book. He had hit "reply all" to an old email that I had sent to everyone letting them know my new email address. My husband called me from work and asked me if I had checked the email. I hadn't and once I did I was furious! I immediately called my brother and told him what he had done. Of course he was sorry and I was mad and embarassed. Anyone that actually read that email knew our business. Ughhh!!! The moral of the story....computers do exactly what we tell them to do!!!!