Mobile Learning Lab CEP 812

For this lab we had to join Classroom 2.0 and the Cell Phones in Education group. This topic is of particular interest to me. It seems to me that many schools and educators are fighting against the use of cell phones in the schools. However, instead of fighting it, we should be looking at ways to use them as an educational tool to enhance teaching and learning. Here is one of my posts to the forum:

Here are the quick polls I have created... Feel free to respond.

Make a live audience poll at Poll Everywhere

Create interactive meetings at Poll Everywhere

Make a live audience poll at Poll Everywhere

Try this audience polling system at Poll Everywhere

Get a free sms student response system at Poll Everywhere

I think this will be a great tool for checking for understanding or doing an assessment in class. It is a great alternative to the CPS systems, especially with schools facing tight budgets. The only issue I can see is for students that do not have a cell phone or that have texting limits. However, the site allows you to send in your response online. Again, one minor issue may be, the number of students having their own mobile device or the availability in a school where you share technology.

As far as the tools go, some of these tools play an important role in many of teachers and students daily lives. I regularly use my iPod, USB drive, smart phone, and laptop both in educational and personal settings. I have used iPods to share French music with my students. USB drives have been used for my to transfer files, but I have also had students turn work in digitally via their USB drive or through e-mail. They leave the drive with me, I look at their paper and comment through Word, and return the drive to them. The smartphone has been more for my personal use, due to our school's cell phone policy. Laptops have been used personally and for student research, project creation, and presentations. Our school has a mobile lab that we can bring into our classrooms, along with the regular computer labs.

As far as the other tools listed, such as PDA's, wait.... Do people still use PDA's? I have not heard of these being used or being sold since the influx of smartphones like Droid, Blackberry, and iPhone. As far as e-book readers go, I don't think schools are at that point of having all digital versions of their textbooks, but it is not too far away. We have online versions, but full digital copies seem to be just around the corner.

In my classroom, I would like to explore the use of the polling program for quick assessments or data gathering. I would also like to get students to use their phones for scheduling, putting in due dates, and using them as a planner to keep them on task and up to date. I would also like to send reminders to students via text message, for things like assignment due dates, tests, etc.

The big issue I think educators will run into with this technology is current school policy and the issue that not all students have cell phones or data plans. This will require some creative planning for teacher's so that all students reap the benefits.