Cell Phones for Learning By Ruth Ann Horn & Chip Jones http://youtu

Student Reflective Perceptions of High School Educational Cell Phone Technology Usage By M. Beth Humble-Thaden Summary HS students across the U.S. are prohibited from using cell phones during the school day Distraction to learning rather than educational learning tool Study investigates college freshmen’s reflective perceptions of using phones in class Survey suggests potential of using cell phones as learning tools in schools First step: student perception toward using cell phones in a learning environment Administration concerned with inappropriate use, distractions, and posting improper photos Parents agree with school policy, but want phones used for safety Students facilitate socialization, “digital natives” want active learning Teachers in foreign countries already use cell phones in schools; less expensive U.S. is finding repair and upgrade costs to be rising, use of cell phones is appealing HS males spend more time on the internet and engaged in computer games than females Surveyed college students from an upper Midwestern university: 161 (83 males, 78 females) Males had more acceptance toward cell phone use initiated by teachers-to-students and collaboration with other students

Rigor of the Research Limited to one university, only freshmen Did not include perceptions of actual high school students Small sample 165 students Ample review of current literature 12 item Institutional Review Board approved survey, significant level .05

Type of Policy Student Conduct File: JFC-R, page 4 Possession of Beepers, Cellular Telephones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), or Similar Devices Acceptable Computer System Use File: GAB/IIBEA, GAB/IIBEA-R

Strategies to Promote Support for the Policy Modeling correct use Collaboration Highlights school Buy in of teachers, parents, administration Teacher facilitator, students working at different levels Division focus Teacher blogs (lessons on line), increased connectivity to content

Benefits Engagement Communication Connectivity to home and teacher Meeting students’ individual needs Student confidence 21st Century learning Mobility, learn anywhere World collaboration Students become experts Web apps are free One to One with technology Students using familiar device

Unintended Consequences or Disadvantages Cheating Demand, band width, securing networks Availability to all Cell phone bills cover unlimited texting Monitoring Appropriate usage Privacy Responsibility

Applicable to Workplace Most students are aware of cell phone policy Eager to use in class, engaged Students demand to be “plugged in” Administrators and faculty must view cell phones as a valuable learning tool Cell phone policies changed to be used in schools not just for socialization Teach students how to use appropriately

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