09+Cellphones+in+the+Classroom

The idea of mobile learning touches on just about every subject that // any // technology addresses: social media, digital citizenship, content-knowledge versus skill-building, Internet filtering and safety laws, teaching techniques, bring-your-own-device policies, school budgets. At its core, the issues associated with mobile learning get to the very fundamentals of what happens in class everyday. At their best, cell phones and mobile devices seamlessly facilitate what students and teachers already do in thriving, inspiring classrooms. Students communicate and collaborate with each other and the teacher. They apply facts and information they’ve found to formulate or back up their ideas. They create projects to deepen their understanding, association with, and presentation of ideas. Cellphones could serve as a distraction in the classroom at all levels of the school system if not properly utilized. While each school child is different and some are more mature than others, students tend to get distracted too easily. Consideration must also be given to the informal tone and spelling that is associated with text messages and the impact they are having on the quality of our children's work. Other areas of concern include penmanship and plagiarism. Teachers would do well to teach students the responsible use of these phones, including how to source and cite accurate information. Teachers at schools that have cellphone policies in place should become familiar with these policies and it should be enforced and reviewed in the classroom so that know one can claim " I didn't know".

Teachers at the secondary level may be able to use smart phones effectively, once lessons are well planned. The teacher must ensure that students stay focus on the lesson at hand so as to derive maximum benefits. Students should only be allowed phones for specified lessons. Smart phones are better than the average dictionary and certain terms, especially in science subjects, are best defined by internet sources (Elton). At the secondary level, the use of cellphones will not only serve as a stimulating tool to enhance teaching and learning but also enhance the accuracy of the information presented as long as credible sources are accessed. Let us not forget also that at the secondary level as it relates to CXC examinations that there's a Zero Tolerance rule in relation to cell phones. Thirty One (31) students had their Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Examination results canceled last year, after they were caught with cellphones during their examinations. So as educators, we have to be careful with the use of cellphones in the classroom environment. While it is true that CXC is prohibiting the use of cellphones in exams,we must not forget that the world is changing and in some universities,there are open book exams. We may live to see the day when cellphones will be tolerated during examinations.

The research shows that teenagers between the ages of 12-17 own one or two cellphones. They use the cellphones to communicate with each other by texting. According to Aubrey Walters (2012) teenagers use their phones to send at least six text messages per hour. It is believed that this information probably contribute to the notion that the cell phone is a distraction for students in the classroom. Cellphones, however, can be a very useful device for students in the classroom. Some cellphones are equipped with cameras and audio recorders which allows students to work on multimedia projects. They can be used to record important information such as homework and assignments and their due date. Cellphones can allow students to create and share content such as end of lesson review, recorded either in voice or text; access google text-messages services, emails, through which a variety of facts in class can be formulated and ideas shared with classmates in class. Further, some students would be able to complete their assignment or conduct research on the move or in the class. The modern cellphones are actually mini computers and the teacher can use them as a means of integrating ICT in the curriculum. Teachers can also use the cellphone to send students homework and assignment reminders. The cellphones can be used as stop watches to time certain classroom activities such debates, speeches and speed drills for subject areas such as EDPM. I have used the cellphone in my EDPM classes with much success. Language Arts and writing activities can be enhanced by accessing the dictionary for the definition of a word. Science classroom can also use cell phones to document information by using the camera or video. Although fundamental issues need to be resolved, such as the control over content and use, the potential for learning with mobile phones exists.

As with the use of any technology in the classroom, when using cell phones in the classroom you must have classroom management procedures in place. The nice thing, however, about cell phones is that you don’t have to worry about distribution, collection, storage, imaging, and charging of devices.
 * Ideas for managing cell phone classrooms**

Below is a possible classroom management protocol. You’ll want to modify this to your particular classroom needs and discuss with students prior to introducing cell phones into the classroom. Be open to modifications or suggestions your students may have. They may have some good ideas. Note however, that this should be determined and posted in advance of using cell phones in the classroom. Additionally, if you work with your students to develop this policy, you may find that they build a strong, comprehensive plan for which they will take ownership and be more likely to follow
 * Upon entry and departure of class please ensure cell phones are turned off and stored in your backpack.
 * On days when we are using cell phones for learning please ensure they are set to silent.
 * Only use phones for learning purposes related to classwork.
 * When phones are not in use on a day we are using cells for learning place them face down on the upper right side of your desk.
 * If you notice someone in the class using their cell phone inappropriately, remind them to use proper cell phone etiquette.
 * If at any time your teacher feels you are not using your cell phone for class work you will be asked to place your phone in the bin in the front of the room with a post-it indicating your name and class.
 * After the first infraction each month you can collect your phone at the end of class.
 * After the second infraction you can collect your phone at the end of the day.
 * After the third infraction your parent or guardian will be asked to retrieve your phone. If you use the phone inappropriately again during the month your parent or guardian will be required to retrieve your phone.
 * At the beginning of each month, you have a clean slate.

Here is an alternative approach to managing cellphones in the classroom.. The Traffic Signal Approach.

RED LIGHT Students must have their cell phones and other electronic devices completely put away. Any visibility of these devices will incur consequences as designated by classroom policies such as having cell phones confiscated. This light is useful for test-taking, and other situations where you want student attention to be completely focused on the task at hand.

YELLOW LIGHT Students may have their cell phones out as long as they are being used for educational purposes. Any misuse or inappropriate behaviour will result in consequences as outlined in classroom policies, such as loss of cell-phone privilege or confiscation. This light is useful when students are doing independent research, and other situations where cell phones may prove to be a good resource.

GREEN LIGHT Students must have their cell phones out for a classroom activity. Any misuse or inappropriate behaviour will result in consequences as outlined in classroom policies, such as loss of participation points or confiscation. This light is intended for situations in which the teacher is leading students in an activity that utilizes mobile devices, and other situations where cell phones are necessary to participate.

By setting up these components ahead of time, either with a working traffic signal or simply three different coloured cards (red, yellow and green), mobile devices in the classroom can become more manageable. As with any other classroom policy, to ensure success educators must clearly outline expectations and guidelines with the traffic signal, and explain in detail what each signal means. Once these guidelines are put in place however, the traffic signal can become an easy way to let students know what they should be doing with their mobile devices!

http://teachbytes.com/2012/08/07/classroom-management-of-mobile-devices-the-traffic-signal-approach/media type="youtube" key="aXt_de2-HBE?version=3" height="315" width="560"