We are all very aware of the popularity and human 'obsession' with smartphones today. Where ever you go, you are with your phone, at least for the most part. We use them to navigate, spell for us, surf the internet, tweet, be part of social networks, shop, check our bank statements, and much much more. The question in the education field is whether or not mobile devices; whether that be smartphones, iPads, iPods, etc., serve as a tool in the classroom? Or are they more of a distraction and unnecessary piece of technology not needed?
According to experts, mobile devices are much cheaper than laptops and computer work stations. Alos going off of this, most kids in high school have a smartphone in todays world. Another plus to having mobile devices be a part of a students' learning is the endless amount of apps available to us. There are apps for math, science, social studies, reading, writing, art, etc. And the app store is only growing. Integration is key for teachers if they want to be successful in having such devices in their classrooms. Teachers need to be able to connect the learning standards and content knowledge with the devices.
The biggest downfall, in my opinion, is the distraction factor that comes into the classroom when phones or tablets are present. We all know its true, and research agrees as well. If the devices are going to be used to improve and foster learning, then it is important for teachers and school administrators to have a clear set of expectations and rules that apply to every classroom. Rick Allen, a writer about the topic, says this in his article; "to attain that vision, issues that need to be tackled include professional development for teachers, policies to address network security, and equity of access for students."
http://www.securedgenetworks.com/strategy-blog/20-Pros-and-Cons-of-implementing-BYOD-in-schools
This site has a list of 20 pro's and con's to having mobile devices in the classroom. Very spot on!
http://www.educause.edu/ero/article/distraction-engagement-wireless-devices-classroom
This site has insightful research on ideas to shift from distraction to engagement when it comes to smart phones and tablets.
http://www.nea.org/tools/56274.htm
This site has research on ways and reasons why to use mobile devices in the classroom as learning tools.
Smartphones in the classroom? I've heard of laptops and iPads, but never smartphones! I'm not sure why, the idea makes sense! Students are always on their phones, as you stated, so it seems like it would work! I do think smartphones would be a great tool to utilize in the classroom, however what about the student who does not have a smartphone? I could see pairing up students in this type of situation, but then you have one student doing all the work.. Also, as you mentioned, the distractions seem endless to me. It's not like you can just turn off texting or have them delete their social media apps for the hour. Clearly, rules and guidelines would need to be set, but how would one teacher manage all their students phones at the same time? I could see apps such as "Remind101", which author Edward Graham discusses in his article for the NEA. Remind101 is an app where students voluntarily sign up to receive text reminders when they have an upcoming assignment due. Not only is this app helpful for students, it also helps parents keep track of their children's homework. Something like this makes sense to me - the organization of the classroom being set up like this, involving both parents and students. However, I don't see how using smartphones in the classroom for things like research and activities would work. I would love them to - I'm just not sure.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments/questions! As far as the student who doesn't have a phone or iPad, I think that if each classroom had a couple of spare iPads for this category of student, this would solve the being 'left out' problem. However, if there were several students who didn't have a device of their own, then the tool would simply not work in that particular classroom. I like your idea of using the "Remind101" app for students, and this would even be useful for parents who try and help their children stay on track as well, like you said. That way, the parents could see what is due and what their child needs to get done.
DeleteAs far as using smart phones or tablets for research, I think they would work wonders. It is a way, a very fast and efficient way, to look up facts, articles, opinions, etc., on the web without having to take the time to relocate to the computer lab or haul out the class laptops. It most definitely would add efficiency and saved time to a classroom, if done correctly.
If they're required, schools must have a checkout system for those who cannot afford them. This is similar to the graphing calculator requirements in many schools' math classes.
DeleteMy staff have used apps like kahoot, or socrative before during activity time in our after school program. Kahoot allows students to access a quiz that you have either created, or have found on there site, (people create their own quizzes on there and share them with whoever wants to use them). It is like the idea of those quizzes that you would play in the bar at Buffalo Wild Wings. Teams or students create their own name and join the quiz challenge, and compete against each other.
ReplyDeleteMy staff has also used Socrative, which allows students to signing and create their own name just like Kahoot, but this allows you as the teacher to have live feedback or review on the spot. You type in your questions and allow students to give their response. After the entire class responds it give you a percentage of how the class answered the question. We have also used Chromebooks with both of these apps and they work great as well.
We have also allowed students to use our iPads in a room to research different topics. This allows students to be more mobile in the classroom instead of being confined to their desk or seat.
However, one problem that we have found at times are that students at times become more interested with finding Youtube videos and become distracted. Is there an setting or app that allows teachers to define what students are allowed to access?
Jed, I'm curious as to how you utilized iPads to research in the classroom. The school I am doing my Teacher Assisting in the fall has just bought iPads for each student in the classroom and I want to know different ways to use them! The applications you mentioned seem great, but the classroom I will be in is first grade and a major focus will be on language arts. Any suggestions!?
DeleteI wonder the same about having a setting on devices that restricts students availability on the internet during classtime. I know that many schools have their networks set so that certain sites, like youtube and facebook for example, can not be accessed on the school computers. However, how would this work if each student had their own phone or tablet? Definitely something to look into! Also, the apps that you talked about sound like they would be great tools in the classroom!
ReplyDeleteI think you both bring up great points about distractions when it comes to smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.
Deletehttp://www.educause.edu/ero/article/distraction-engagement-wireless-devices-classroom
The link above discusses the pros and cons of wireless devices in the classroom. It also talks about filtering application tools - Sarah, I believe the device you were wondering about! There are a couple mentioned, but I'm not sure - like you said - how that would work if each student had their own device.
http://lessonplanspage.com/using-smartphones-and-other-pdas-in-class-these-days-its-cool/
This link discusses case studies with smart phones done in different schools. A lot of what the schools are doing is providing smartphones to their students instead of having them use their own. Some things that seem to be working with cutting out distraction is having a time where students can text/browse freely. By giving them that outlet, they will be less likely to be distracted during class time. Teachers also mentioned that students are more willing to work on their smartphones and become more engaged in the activities that they are working on because they enjoy doing it. Because students have a good idea on how to work/use smartphones, it's easier for them, but they are still learning the material. What do you guys think of these ideas? What could we do as educators to make smartphones work for our students?
Each strategy has pros/cons. If you supply the devices, you're on the hook for repairs and insurance. However, you have one device that you can setup and network as you choose. On the other hand, BYOD saves money but increases administrative issues.
DeleteThanks for the links, Hannah! Very helpful. I especially like the idea of having the schools provide their students with phones; this would eliminate a lot of the floating problems that come with the idea of using smartphones and tablets in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteTechnology, (especially mobile technology) allows students to more creative, and have more access to information to help them in their educational settings. However, I worry that if we feed to much into giving access to technology especially mobile devices that we are causing some of our own problems, (short attention spans, students wanting to use the first answer they find on the internet, and etc.).
ReplyDeleteI found this article to be an interesting read from the New York Times. This article takes a look at technology in the classroom, and teacher perspectives of how students are doing, and their worries for students.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/01/education/technology-is-changing-how-students-learn-teachers-say.html?_r=0
I really enjoyed reading through this article. However, I think that anything is fine in moderation. If we use smartphones as a tool in our classrooms (not the end all be all) - students will be successful. I would like to say that obviously a constant use of technology can affect behavior, attitudes, and levels of cognition. I think in a K-12 setting, mobile devices such as smartphones should be used when truly helpful and beneficial to both the teacher and student.
DeleteI couldn't have said it better myself, Hannah. I think that by using it as a TOOL, and only a tool, smartphones will enable teachers to differentiate instruction and keep students engaged. But like you said, Jed, if not done properly, smartphone use is a great way to create our own problems. Which is exactly what we don't want to do as teachers.
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