Being Smart about Smart Phones in the Classroom

I recently observed the classroom of one of our new teachers.  Her students were involved in a collaborative research project whereby they were divided into groups and each group had a different topic to work with.  While this was not particularly different or innovative, what I noticed about what her students were doing was.  Just as inconspicuously as those who were using desktop computers, those who had other personal devices were using them to get the work done.  These devices included tablets, laptops and SMART Phones.  Yes, I said it, students were in the classroom using their cell phones for research....not texting, updating Facebook, taking inappropriate photographs or (heaven forbid) calling someone.

It amazes me that teachers are still so wary of harnessing the power of the handheld internet.  Yes, I know that cell phones can become problems if used for socializing or cheating in the classroom.  Frankly, this is not a matter of "evil" cell phone presence...this is a matter of classroom management.  It's nothing new folks.  I think back to my time in high school and how many times I used the technology of the time (pen and paper) to do the very same things when my teacher's management slipped.  I still have some of the notes that were passed in class.  Hmmm...imagine if my teachers opted to not allow pens and paper in the classroom due to the potential of undesirable use.

We are missing out on the power of the SMART Phone in our classrooms!!!

In an article posted on the Powerful Learning Practice blog entitled Teaching with SmartPhones, the author suggests teachers teach the routines and procedures for using SMART Phones in the classroom (just like you would for any other classroom tool).  She also believes that, "Students aren't going to be intrinsically fascinated with a device they use routinely when they are outside of school.  If the students don't enjoy what they are doing, they will be more tempted to use their phones inappropriately."

Here are some of her suggestions for cell phone use in the classroom:

1.  In class polling/quizzing-  Keep students engaged (awake) and check for understanding (from more than the keeners who shoot their hands up first every time) by using online polling programs such as Poll Everywhere.

2.  In Class Backchanneling-  this is really nothing more than allowing students to comment on the lecture in real-time using a resource such as Twitter, Poll Everywhere or Today's Meet.

3.  Accessing handouts or readings-  Post your notes in Drop Box or on your Moodle page (coming soon).  Then allow students to open those references in class.  No need to make copies or deal with the chronic "forgetters."

4.  Conducting research-  students can conduct internet research, take photos of print documents and even keep their note cards using Evernote, Noodle Tools, Drop Box, etc.

If you would like to read the entire article from Powerful Learning Practice, go to:
http://plpnetwork.com/2012/11/21/teaching-smartphones/

If you would like to learn more about any of the resources described in this post, please do not hesitate to contact me.