Mobile Phones in the Classroom

This week I took part in an activity which involved using De Bono's 6 thinking hats to discuss different points of view relating to the use of mobile phones and mobile technology in the classroom. For this activity I focused on the blue hat, or the process.

I believe we have to face the fact that mobile phones and mobile technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent in today's society - students are going to have more and more access as the technology becomes cheaper and easier to get hold of. I think that the logical approach is to take steps to integrate the technology into our classrooms and make the most of it. We should ensure that we use to technology to keep students engaged in order to better their learning, rather than have them trying to secretly use their phones while their teacher isn't looking.

For example iPod touches are increasingly becoming a common resouce in the classroom. I have seen them used in a few different classrooms - where a class may have their own set of 6 or a year group may have a set which rotates around the classrooms. Students love to use them, demonstrating that they are very engaged in the activities. I believe they are an excellent addition to the classroom - so long as they are used correctly (I will talk more about iPods Touches another time).

On another point - to discuss the use of mobile technology in the classroom I used a wiki with a group of peers. A wiki is an online document which can be edited my multiple users, working collaboratively. This very much reflects Vygotsky's theory of Social Constructivism - where meaning and understanding is build up through a group of people working collaboratively to build on their overall knowledge.

I believe wiki's could be a great way for students in a classroom to work together - however it requires well thought out planning from the teacher to ensure it runs smoothly.

For example a large class may be split into groups of 5, each with their own wiki to create. To ensure that every students contributions can be monitored, each student could be assigned a colour to write in. This way the teacher can make sure that no students are slacking off and relying on their group to carry them through. The layout of the wiki may also be set out by the teacher, before the students start, to ensure that they understand the directions of the task.