Cell Phones in the Classroom

was intrigued by the podcast about cell phones in the classroom. Using cell phones in the classroom can be empowering for students. It takes something familiar and uses it in an unfamiliar way, thereby creating a sense of disequilibrium and fostering student learning. The students in these classrooms were challenged to master new content in a new way using an object that was already familiar to them. For some students, this may have been overwhelming while for others it may have been a reprieve from other forms of communication. I can only imagine how some of my students would have enjoyed the freedom to express themselves through speech rather than the written form. This type of project offers some students a unique opportunity to show what they really know, rather than being limited by the formalities of writing. It is also provides teachers with the chance to assess students true abilities by providing multiple entry points and means of assessment. As Kate pointed out, the use of cell phones in the classroom can inspire a discussion about the value of multiple means of communication. If I were to do this in my classroom, I would provide a broad framework for students and discuss what communication is by comparing and contrasting different communication modalities.

Additionally, doing something new and innovative can create a unique shared learning experience between teachers and students. Teachers and students can learn together and from one another. The teacher interviews demonstrate that they would have revised their explanations and reactions if they were doing this experience again. Additionally, there were opportunities for students to work together. To me, it seemed like using cell phones in the classroom, as they were described in the Podcast created a learning culture of sharing and collaboration, while allowing students to access the curriculum in a way that met their needs. Most importantly, the podcast demonstrated that even the most innovative ideas must be reflected on and revised. Learning is a continuous process, both for students and teachers.