One thing is sure to remain true – teenagers are and their cell phones will continue to have a steady relationship throughout 2011. In the past, schools have often discouraged and banned the use of the cell phone in classrooms, but it seems that may be shifting. The direction of the current technology market makes sure that we’re all moving lightning speed day in and day. It began with tablets and wireless laptops in and it’s no surprise that it is beginning to leak its way into our schools and classrooms with mobile devices and cell phones.
One specific case is at Manitowoc School District in Manitowoc, WI, where head of instruction technology and library media services, Tom Waldron, is researching a revised program to their current setup where they would implement cell phones as an instructional tool. Waldron has hopes to merge cutting edge technology into their school by studying instruction methods that focus on where technology is headed and not where it is in today’s landscape. It is Waldron’s belief that schools should incorporate these avenues that students already have at their fingertips, such as access to smart phones, iPods and the internet.
An interesting topic to focus on is texting. This article points out that by utilizing texting with the classroom teachers and fellow students could communicate without interrupting or disturbing the rest of the class. One question for thought – do students in middle school and high school have the maturity level and means to use these tools to better their studies and communication or will this be nothing but a stumbling block derailing their schoolwork? Another thing to question, is whether or not it matters if a school grants permission to full mobile access to its students. Will students continue to text, video chat and surf the web while at school in spite of the current rules and restrictions?
Action Center: What do you think? Is it improper or beneficial for students to have open access within their classrooms? Go to our Facebook page and let us know your thoughts on this debated topic.
To delve into this issue further click on the link below. http://www.htrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011101010355
Source: Manitowoc School District’s Tech coordinator Studies Cell Use by Cindy Hodgson, Herald Times Reporter; HTRNews.com, January 1, 2011
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