Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris Dyer on September 2, 2011 at 12:45pm

Andra,

 

This debate seems to be one of the "hottest" topics these days, especially in my college level education classes. After doing some research on projects that are putting cell phones into classrooms, I have come to the conclusion that although these programs have yielded great responses and results, real implementation of cell phones into classrooms is many years away. Many students just do not have the financial to have smart phones, which would create a schism in the classroom. This means that the burden would have to fall on the school and/or district. I do not need to list the many issues that districts face that would take precedence over implementing cell phones into classrooms. I firmly believe that cellphones will make an appearance in the classroom, for education purposes, in the near future. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ellen Ann Dotson on January 26, 2012 at 4:51pm

Hi Andra,

I love this topic. In my opinion, it mostly depends on where teach. If you are in a school where the majority of the students have an i-pod or some sort of technology that would work in a classroom, I think it is a great idea. However, if the majority of the students cannot afford the technology, then I don't think it would be beneficial to have some sort of individualized technological advancement in the classroom. I come from a small town, but almost everyone has an i-pod. One of my past high school teachers has recently started using technology more in the classroom. For an assignment, he will have students put some sort of powerpoint on their i-pods. He grades these assignments and the students share with each other, which creates some sort of a study guide. If those students are in sports (so this goes out to high school teachers or MCE/AYA college students) the students can study on a bus ride on their way to a school while they listen to their ipod. I think if technology can be incorporated fairly, and is not something that makes a lot of students feel bad, it could be a really great way for students to keep interested in their learning. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Terrance Conner on January 30, 2012 at 7:39pm

Hello.   Is it too late to respond to the above request regarding BYOD?  I am new to the group and am ramping in, learning.  Please advise and thank you.  Terrance Conner.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Andra Brichacek on January 31, 2012 at 10:19am

Hi Terrance,

Although you are more than welcome to participate in this discussion online anytime, and those who are following it are likely to read what you write, we have already chosen and published responsesfor this question in our February issue. However, please stay tuned, as I will be putting up three new questions in the next week or so! I usually send out calls to participate in these discussions (which are all posted here on this Ning) via ISTE's SIG and affiliate listservs, ISTE's Facebook page, and Twitter (you can follow me @andramere). And feel free to email me at abrichacek@iste.org.

Andra

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lisa Davis on February 2, 2012 at 5:18pm

We just talked about this topic a couple of weeks ago in my technologies class. I brought it up later with my aunt who's a superintendent of a small school in rural Ohio and she said that her district is actually trying to implement using students' own devices in school for educational purposes. Frankly, I think that's a great idea. Students already know so much about technology and it's obvious that they enjoy using it, so why not carry that enthusiasm into the classroom? I know a lot of educators are worried about the distraction in the classroom and that's their biggest reason to not use them. I can see why this would be a problem but if students are engaged in the lesson they shouldn't want to be doing other things in the first place. Also, you could do the threat factor and say that if you catch anyone abusing this privilege, students won't be able to use their own devices in the classroom any longer. The school that I'm doing my methods teaching at this semester gives each student their own laptop when they being their freshman year. They're then responsible for that laptop the rest of their high school career at that school and are given the choice to keep the laptop or turn it in and get an iPad. All the students that i've observed have been very mature about the rules in regards to technology and I think that they enjoy being able to use own computers  and have all of their documents right at their fingertips.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Nicole Wallack on February 28, 2012 at 11:51am

Nicole Wallack, Pre-service Teacher at Bowling Green State University, OH. USA

I think that allowing students to use their own devices in the classroom is beneficial for many reasons.  Students at the middle school age are set out to do everything and anything that they aren't supposed to. When there is a rule that students are prohibited to use their cell phone in class, of course they are going to do it.  As a teacher, if you allow students to use their cell phones for education purposes and research it could be beneficial.  In doing this, you must set up guidelines at the beginning of the year.  You must tell students that technology can be a very good resource in education if it is used properly.  If you notice that students are misusing the technology or texting their friends when they are supposed to be on the internet, the privileges can be taken away. Technology and personal devices can be very helpful in schools.  It can cut costs and keep schools from having to purchase mass amounts of expensive technology.  I think allowing students to use their devices in the classroom is great as long as the teacher does it in an effective manner.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion