Mobile Phones within the Classroom

After participating in de Bono's thinking hats wiki about mobile phones I have been left with a lot to think about. Depending on the group of students that you had within the classroom as well as the maturity age all could have a huge influence as to whether you would allow access to students mobile phones. I believe that they are a cheap, flexible way of allowing students access to the internet and other applications. Incorporating time limits and calendars into the classroom would be a great assets to learning tools. Although as I read through the other entries it became apparent of if I were a student would I do the right thing if I had the opportunity to have a mobile phone at the age of say 8? I know during class in high school I often was texting friends and playing games. And what about the issue of cyber bullying and the emotional effect of communicating sites such as Facebook. I know personally myself I have deactivated my own Facebook account due to cyber bullying and the emotional strain it gave me. So if there are students out there such as myself, as there would be millions, is this really the right thing to be promoting into the schooling system? Would it be beneficial to teach students at a young age how to use these sites appropriately?


My opinion is give it ago. With appropriate scaffolding of your class and with correct and appropriate resources such as wireless internet access throughout classroom why not give it a go. Why not use something that nearly 80% of students all have. Just be mindful to keep a close eye on the activities that are being engaged in and make sure that students are given a time to privately reflect on their usage.

Participating in the collaborative wiki in regards to using mobile phones in the classroom and having a structure such as using de Bono's thinking hats allowed me not only to add my own thoughts but to ponder other peoples suggestions and thoughts. I believe this is a great collaborative learning tool that could be used with the correct group of students. Tools like this need to be used once a teacher has appropriately profiled their students and agree that this activity would be beneficial in their learning.

Plus	Minus	Interesting
- Collaborative learning tool - Allows students to see topics in a different light - Allows students to see other peoples opinions and broaden their own opinions. - The information is stored in sections therefore easy to find information if required. - For students who are nervous about adding information in front of a group it allows them to anonymously contribute.	- In a wiki students can change other students ideas - Students can criticize others comments - If not noted, students can contribute anonymously and therefore teachers are unable to identify useful information.	- Having different views of a range of ideas over peoples thoughts. - Allows on topic discussion