DISQUS

Tracie Weisz · 9 months ago

Wow - Vicki thank you for bringing so much of this good information together in one place AND including your own solid lesson plans! Just like many schools, this continues to be a bigger "issue" every year - we recently put out some feelers about the current staff feelings about them - a big part of the staff still favors banning them altogether. I think your model - getting permission to use them in your classroom - is a great way to start. Let others see that this can be productive for the students and the school in so many ways. Obviously you have a lot of influence on those of us out here in cyberland, so I'm curious, since you have been doing this, have others in your building followed your lead? What has been the trickle down effect of your work?

Chris Webb · 9 months ago

This is an excellent blog post! Very timely! I completely agree with the bulk of the content you have here. I will share this with my building admin and a few of the teachers who just "don't get it", when they see students using cell phones. Thank you for sharing it.

Ira Socol · 9 months ago

A good ten. I usually repeat my thought: "You mean that we have the world's most effective information and communication device ever conceived, one that allows students to research, read, collaborate, and question globally - one which literally fits in the palm of their hand - one nearly so ubiquitous that it wipes out the digital divide - and, ummm, we BAN those devices from our schools?

Our education system must already be absolutely perfect, working for every student magnificently, for us not to embrace this incredible technology.

Jacques Cool · 9 months ago

Thank you for such a comprehensive post on the subject. I feel exactly the same, especially since I saw/heard Hall Davidson at NECC 2008. Your husband is right: look at the behaviour, not the tool. As for teachers, yes, others will be looking, so to start using cell phones in class, for learning, they must not improvise and work hard at setting up the right framework. Just one chance at making a good first impression. Perceptions will be amplified. Which is why we can count on the work of Liz Kolb and others.

After I finish writing this, I am sharing this post with colleagues in Ontario and in France (http://www.wapeduc.fr) who are moving ahead in making the most of these "little internet machines" for learning.

Margot · 9 months ago

I think that this is a really interesting and important topic. The teachers who are stuck on banning cell phones all together are going to have a rude awakening, because just like what happened with calculators, they will be allowed and integrated eventually. My only question is: do you have a hard time making sure the students use them only at the appropriate times? Or do they learn the proper etiquette relatively quickly?

-Marguerite DeWitt

Patrick · 9 months ago

Vicki,

Great post, and thank you for outlining a simple list of reasons. I always feel that having lists like this at the ready when dealing with administrators, parents, teachers, or students who don't allow cell phones is paramount.

Oh, and thanks for the link to the Google SMS simulator. That is incredible.

Russ Knopp · 9 months ago

Well done! Thank you for saying so well what I strongly believe.

Justin K. Reeve · 9 months ago

Going along with your comment about how cell phone usage in classrooms encourage digital responsibility, it's important to realize that in just a few years, school filters will be practically useless. Students' cell phones aren't subject to school filters, and as smart phones become more and more advanced, more students will see their phone as being the preferred method for obtaining information, only one reason being that they can access information without having to worry about a "pesky" filter.

We can't inspire a culture of digital responsibility in our students overnight, and if we don't start teaching them now, cell phones will only be driven further underground, and eventually render useless any technological safety measures schools put in place.

Lauren Rosen · 9 months ago

While I agree 100% with appropriate uses of cell phones in the classroom for educational purposes, there are a couple points you make here that aren't necessarily the case in a typical urban classroom with a high level of ethnic diversity and a number of low income as well as very wealthy students.
Here are my 2 points:
1) Offices should not be texting directly to students when they need to be called in. Kids will and do find a way to "pretend" they are the office and text their friends right out of the classroom. Phones should be off during instruction unless they are being used for instructional purposes. Texting or contacting the teacher to ask a student to go to the office is a much better solution for this.
2) Phones when not being used for instruction need to be off. While it may seem crazy, some of the worst offenders of interrupting class by texting or calling student cell phones are ... THEIR PARENTS!!! Hard to believe, but true.

If the room or the kids aren't on fire, cell phones can be off when not being used for instructional purposes as they are still disruptive, IMO.

coolcatteacher · 9 months ago

On the texting - it could be better to text to call a kid to the office by
texting the teacher -- surely there are different ways to handle this and
every school is different. Wondering if there will be a point where we will
not want them to be off.

Yes -- right now, the phones are turned off when we're not using them and
that is what we do now. I still, again, wonder how long this will be so.
Adults are horrible offenders at this too - as witnessed in conferences last
week!! netiquette is essential for all of us (wish the guy at the movie
last week would have remembered that.)

Name · 2 months ago

WOW finally some comment about the reality of cell phone use - kids are kids.... in my high school, we have a real problem with cheating via sms AND with students photographing tests. While we'd like to think they will be responsible, the fact is they are not. With the increased emphasis on test performance and holding teachers accountable, to let the kids have constant access to phone technology does not help them build the store of knowledge they need if they can dash to the internet instead of calling on their brains.

coolcatteacher · 2 months ago

If it is a problem w/ cheating, then why not let the kids have them and then put them in a box when testing? But pretending the kids don't have cell phones seems to be the problem. Bring them in the open and control their use. For the most part, most people DO NOT like the idea of cell phones in schools and think this is not going to happen. It is important to know that inevitably we will be using these tools. We are fighting the fight that the 70's and 80's fought against the calculator.

L Winebrenner · 9 months ago

Great post Vicki. I am sending the link to your blog post to the HS Newsgroup and the RC school board members. Even if the students don't have cells, the Google text sim is a great tool to supplement those who don't have cell phones or do not texting plans. Thanks for being an solution provider. Even if we can't get our schools to change you provide the information needed for communities to start their own classes using local libraries and the computer labs available. Thanks for all that you do!

coolcatteacher · 9 months ago

Yes - we've got to look at this differently and it will take time - but I
think that it is truly inevitable!

Iphone · 8 months ago

I am so old I went through the school system when no ones even heard of having cell phones. I wonder what it would be like to be at school with so much great technology.

Hermi Worksan · 7 months ago

RE: Linux Virtual Machine - M4E SMS Wireless Test Administration for K12 Schools is designed for K12 teachers, parents and students and is easy to install. It has world class software components and also supports high speed SMS IP connections to any wireless carrier SMSC data center.

The M4E SMS service is started using GSM modems and SIM cards from any GSM cell phone to join the cell network and send - receive student SMS multiple choice question messages from cell towers in your region.

M4E can use all existing cell phones students have today. Teachers have their own log-in accounts to create and schedule content. Full results reporting is included along with running student histories. Teacher override features and cellular report card forwarding to parent cell numbers in real time as options.

Anonymous · 7 months ago

I work at a high school and I'll be honest, I laughed when I read the reasons you give for the case for cell phones. Students are not using their phones for "educational purposes". They are texting each other about their boyfriends, what they are going to do after school etc... In a world where all kids are perfect your case for cell phones may work but here in the real world kids are disrupting class or not paying attention because they are too busy texting each other.
As for the the office texting them to go to the office, yeah right. I can see us sitting in the office with our cell phones out and texting 35 kids a day to come to the office just to have that text ignored. And in the middle of the a lesson kids are taking out their cell phones for their text messages from friends, office or whoever. As for the safety issue, give me a break. We have the best system of lock down we can have for the students and the last lockdown was accomplished in minutes. Through the two hour lockdown, the office phone lines were ringing non stop from parents calling and cussing us out on the phone to let their child go NOW. When a student is locked down in a classroom, they don't know what is going on and they have to trust that we do. They can be pretty dramatic texting each other and then texting rumors back and forth that the lockdown is because of a person with a gun or a bomb in the building etc... by the time they text their parent they have passed on what they heard from their friend Natalie when she texted and its always completely untrue. We spend an enormous amount of time putting a plan into action to keep our students safe and if we just "let them leave" when there was a lockdown as many of these parents yell to us on the phone, we might as well put a target on their back. The complication of cell phones in an emergency such as this just increases panic and anxiety with all the stories that are being texted back and forth. Lastly, the cell phone is just like the internet and kids will text threats to each other, have their arguments by texting back and forth, talk to their boyfriends/girlfriends, and meanwhile a teacher is trying to keep their attention on learning. Cell phones don't belong in school and just because most kids have one, doesn't mean they should be allowed to use it. Texting test answers to each other is also something I haven't mentioned which also happens. And if you think that you will be able to see a kid text in class. Doubtful. They have become quite adept at doing it in their purses or under their desk etc.. How much time do you have to play the text police in every class you teach? I think eventually schools will not only ban cell phones but they will use scramblers to keep them from being used in the school. These are teenagers and if you think that they are going to use cell phones for learning, I have some swamp land I'd like to sell you. Teens are great but their still teenagers and they like to socialize. Cell phones are their favorite way to do that when they are in the same room with their friends.

Vicki A. Davis · 7 months ago

@Anonymous - I am a teacher in a high school also. I am sorry for your horrible situation - it sounds like you've got a difficult place to work.

But my comments here are from experience. We are using cell phones in class on a daily basis for productive reasons. In fact, on our project this week, the principal asked everyone to remember to charge their cell phones every night so they can send in photos from our Flint River project.

Your situation seems difficult and remember that no tool is every utopia - every tool can be used for good or bad purposes. As for me, I believe my students want to learn - and they do. I believe my students can use cell phones for good purposes - and when I give them permission to get them out in the first place - they use them well.

We're saying the same things about cellphones that they said about calculators in the 1970's.

Margot - Absolutely cell phones can be distracting. If a cell phone is out without permission or being used for a purpose other than class, it goes on my desk.

Just as paper can be tossed across the room as an airplane, so cell phones can be used in wrong ways as well.

Justin - You've added another reason -- of course the issue with data access on cells is that it is still SOOOO expensive!

kristof NCY · 7 months ago

Hey, that`s a really good article. I think giving a child a cell phone is a smart idea. I mean you have to explain to them this is not only to keep closer with your friends but also has other benefits like security. I think your users find an article I wrote useful, it`s about <a href="http://www.yodaphone.com/articles/CellPhoneforChildrenandTheirBusyParents.aspx
">Cell Phones for children and their busy parents. Thanks and keep up the good work!

amanda · 7 months ago

I love your point of view onthis subject. I'm tired of getting my phone taken away when IK don't even have it out it always beeps because its out of service.

coolcatteacher · 7 months ago

Turning it off is fine to do, too, if there isn't an educational or
safety reason to have it on. If it is out of service, do you need to
have it on.

Vicki Davis
Cool Cat Teacher Blog

Building the bridges of today that the society of tomorrow will walk
across.

Sent from my iPod touch

Your Parenting Info · 7 months ago

Believe it or not, one of our writers is a 13 year old, who believes that cell phones should not be allowed in school, and this is a teen with his own cell. Visit yourparentinginfo.com to read his thoughts.

kacie · 7 months ago

I sssooooo agree!!!!!!! i love my phone and couldnt live with out it!!!! and when im at school i miss having it so i would so want to use it during shool!!!!!

coolcatteacher · 7 months ago

When you have it at school, it should be used for school reasons, not
personal. Not sure if that is what you understood to be said. In the
real world at work, business and personal are kept separate. School is
your business right now and texting for personal reasons should be
done on your own time so you can focus. That being said, there are a
lot of great school uses for your cell, especially the photo and
recording features!

Vicki Davis
Cool Cat Teacher Blog

Building the bridges of today that the society of tomorrow will walk
across.

Sent from my iPod touch

Anne Johns · 4 months ago

Great points you have made here! There are many teachers in my school (mostly the seasoned veterans) who believe that cell phones have no place in a school setting. They do not realize that, like it or not, cell phones are a part of society that is not going anywhere. As educators, we just have to put some parameters on their use. This is no different than years ago when calculators replaced slide rules in the math classrooms. Calculators serve a good purpose but we do not want students using them all of the time. As long as their are guidelines - like the ones you mentioned above - then cell phones can peacefully coexist with teachers in a school setting.

Brad · 4 months ago

I agree with you on a number of levels. My 11 year old is very responsible with his phone and uses the integrated calender feature to keep up with soccer practice, games, and other appointments (after school meetings, etc). While he might not be the norm in that area, I would love for him to be able to utilize that same technology for his school work. It makes no sense to me that he's not allowed to use it for that use?

The real issue I have with my local schools in terms of cell phones being banned is the fact that kids can't use the phone to call mom and dad when needed. Case in point, my youngest son was sent to the principal's office based on a teacher's interpretation of a fairly harmless (at least in my mind) question he asked someone. The office refused to allow him to use their phones to call my wife or I. A cell phone in that case would have been very beneficial as either of us could have responded to the school to help deal with the issue.

coolcatteacher · 4 months ago

It is about control and sadly, often it is the kids who obey rules who
have issues, others just text in their pocket or call from the bathroom!

Vicki Davis
Cool Cat Teacher Blog

Building the bridges of today that the society of tomorrow will walk
across.

Sent from my iPod touch

Sandra · 4 months ago

I believe that, in time, cell phones will be a classroom tool. We will evolve to that point. It will take time to work through this issue nationwide.

Sandra, a teacher
www.realmathinaminute.com

Brock · 3 months ago

I have never thought about this concept before, but i really enjoyed reading what you have put down.At my high school cell phones were banned completely and I think it would make things alot easier altogether if cell phones were allowed with some restrictions.

Anonymous · 3 months ago

I really enjoyed the article and the posts. In my previous district cell phones were a problem and I felt like I was constantly policing the students to see who was trying to use theirs. In my present distrcit I haven't had any problems. Both have the same rules and similiar consequences, so I haven't figure out really what makes the difference. Sometimes I think it is just the difference in school cultures.
AS for using cell phones in class, I'm all for it. I like to practice Spanish conversation on a daily basis. We do so much conversation through cell phones(conversation ,texting, tweeting, etc.) that I would really like to use them. In my previous district I did on a few occasions and the students loved it! Maybe in a few weeks I'll give it a try in my new district.
Also I think it is okay if the students use them as a tool (translator, search for information, communication, etc.). It's reality! We all use cell phones, so we should let our students use them for educational purposes too. - THEY LOVE IT!

Mike Coy

carolynfoote · 2 months ago

Great post, Vicki! Well done! We have had math teachers using cell phones to receive and send math problems to far away places and mapping that; using cell phones with polleverywhere instead of a cps system(a lot cheaper since that is free!); and using cell phones to call in their Voice Thread narration--great for those without a home computer!

Of course those things are just a drop in the bucket. I think you've outlined very valid reasons in an articulate organized way--thanks!

coolcatteacher · 2 months ago

You are such an innovator! Kudos to your math department!!!

Vicki Davis
Cool Cat Teacher Blog

Building the bridges of today that the society of tomorrow will walk
across.

Sent from my iPod touch

bennyforsberg · 1 month ago

The need for a Universal Mobile School platform that makes it easy to communicate on all types of mobile phones - has finally arrived!

"Just like any parent I'm struggling to make the logistics work. With a full time job, three kids, a wife and really tight schedules it can be pretty hard to keep up, but Squace makes everything a little easier", says, Thomas Westerlund Düner from the Stockholm suburb Bromma and father of 3.

The mobile phone will be the essential communication tool from preschool and onward through all the school years. The anytime, everywhere and allways on capability and the deep penetation of web ready mobile phones among all social classes makes it the obvius choice.

"The School In the Mobile" is a large scale project rolling out a new universal mobile schollm platform in Stockholm, Sweden.

The aim is to make school information easy to access over the mobile web in all types of web ready cell phones (from basic feature phones to high end snart phones) and doing so nurging and enhancing the everyday use of the mobile as a school-com-tool!

i´ts amazing how easy this concept is!

Find out more about the project:

http://blog.squace.com/?p=97

http://hosted.squace.com/public_resources/Squac...

Cell Phones · 1 month ago

Everything has some positive and negative points. Having phones with kids too have. So calculate the two and if you find its positive for your kids then go for it but if not don't go for it. It all depends upon the time and need

Marcel · 9 months ago

The radiation from cellpones is unhealthy for kids. Don't you know that ? The latest research agrees with this.