Do personal devices support learning? That's what I was asked by "The Signal" blog which facilitates a conversation about communication, safety and making families work.
The question was prompted after a recent study that found students performed better on exams under a cellphone ban which has been used to cast doubt on city's like New York who have lifted the ban. Of course studies such as these are highly flawed for numerous reasons. For example they assess students as though they live in a disconnected world where the tools we need for success outside of school are considered devices of cheating. Additionally, they look at environments where teachers look at student devices as weapons of mass distraction, rather than those where educators are knowledgeable about using devices as tools of engagement.
I shared my ideas about how cell phones become learning tools when they are a part of, rather than apart from learning by following a five step plan and incorporating strategic building blocks to success. Find out how by checking out the article here.
I believe that the use of the cell phone in the class room can be a great and effective tool if managed properly. There is no doubt that cell phone is like a toy to many students and therefore is a natural focal point of interest. Why not use something that the students are naturally interested in to engage them? If they find the class fun while learning, where they can get to assert their superior skill and knowledge in the manipulation of this gadget to access and share information, why not use it? Why should we necessarily see it as a weapon of mass distraction? If we are to successfully use the cell phone as a learning tool, many of us as educators may have a lot of catching up to do. I believe some of us are already high on the learning curve and I would say go ahead, use it in your classes, share the success and get the rest of jealous and we will get into action soon.
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