Cell+Phones+in+the+Classroom+-+CW

= = __**What can we use Cell Phones for in the Classroom?**__
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 * =** __ Cell Phones in the Classroom __ **=

Cell phones are a wonderful resource in the classroom. I have to say, I was a little skeptical when I first started researching information on why we should embrace these readily available resources... but I am a believer now!

Cell Phones can be used for math, language, reading, collaboration, making notes and many other things. The possibility is really endless! For more information on how to use a cell phone effectively in the classroom,. see the book "Toys to Tools" by Liz Kolb, or visit her website at []

__**Why Should we use Cell Phones in the classroom?**__

Cell phones have many built in tools that are useful for students in the classroom. Timers, dictionaries, etc. They are also readily available, many students have them with them all of the time, and they are an important part of the social culture of youth today. many students feel that there is a disconnect between their activities outside of the classroom and the tasks that we ask them to do in class. It is important to try to find connections between school and home. For more information on why we should integrate student friendly technology 9like cell phones) into the classroom, please see **Toys to Tools** by Liz Kolb and **Text me a Strategy** by Kathy Paterson (see below).

__**Are Cell phones in the classroom Safe?**__

Cell phones in the classroom can be safe, but like anything, structure has to be in place. Set up guidelines for use at the outset and follow through with consequences for students who do not meet expectations.

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 * ==__**Resources:**__== || [[file:iphone-ipod-touch-apps-for-special-education1.pdf]]

this resource lists various apps that are good for students with special education need. Although the apps were designed for students with exceptionalities, they may be good for all.

[] || In this article, the author describes how students in schools today are more comfortable with technology than ever before. The research shows that teachers need to be aware of the level of comfort with technology and look at how we prepare students for success in society. Kids see themselves as "unplugged" in the classroom, and this clashes with how they live and extend social interactions when outside of school. This is important to teaching, because we should be programming with the students needs in mind.
 * ==__**Articles:**__== || [[file:Having our say cell phones in school.pdf]]

This article discusses some of the safety concerns that arise when schools allow cell phones in class.

This article shares three important strategies for demonstrating how cell phones can be useful tools in the classroom. Make Cell phones visible by using them for a class activity, like polling. Show administrators a convincing classroom application (like texting a strategy). Use cell phones to replace needed supplies. || media type="youtube" key="NOIbYGMH74I?fs=1" height="327" width="406" ||
 * = =Web 2.0 tools that can be used with Cell phones in the classroom = ||
 * [|www.gabcast.com] || This web site is great for up-loading audio files so that they can be distributed as pod casts. It is a free resource! it uses a toll free number and the creator of the account hold the control over what is and what is not posted on the pod cast. Very cool! ||
 * [|www.youmail.com/home/index.do] || Voice mail messages can be changed to MP3 format so that students can access instructions, submit answers to questions, etc. It is a voice mail site where the user can create as many voice mail greetings as they need so that specific greetings can be created for certain cell phone numbers. The messages and greetings can be downloaded into a blog or wiki, and the teacher can decide what to do with the student responses. ||
 * [] || Free conferencing website where as many people as necessary can call in and conference. The teacher can record the conversation for as long as needed. An MP3 file of the conference is then recorded and sent to the users storage box. ||
 * []/ || Jott.com is a free web 2.0 app that allows users to create Jott notes on their cell phone (speech to text). Users just need to dial a number and speak their note into the phone and it will be converted into a text. All of the messages are saved in a secure domain on the Jott site, which gives students record of notes. ||
 * [] || Photobucket allows users to take pictures from their cell phones and upload them directly to the Photobucket website. They are not published immediately, they are housed in a private place until the teacher approves the posts. Users can edit their pictures on line. ||
 * [] || Students can create and publish backgrounds with pix2fone. Students can use any pictures or images that they create using kid pix (osapac license in Ontario) ||
 * [] || Using Zinadoo software, students can quickly and easily create mobile friendly web pages making it possible for students to share work. ||
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 * = =__**Text Resources**__= ||
 * =**Toys to Tools**=
 * = =__**Text Resources**__= ||
 * =**Toys to Tools**=

By Liz Kolb
|| In this book, Liz Kolb looks at cell phones as tools that can support students in the classroom. She pairs cell phone features (camera, video, text) with lessons in the classroom. The book discusses cell phones as learning tools, concerns with welcoming cell phones in the class, and planning. ||
 * =Text me a Strategy=

By Kathy Paterson
|| Kathy Paterson shares literacy strategies using text language - ex PZ-IT. Texting this strategy to students reminds them to personalize learning so that it becomes relevant to them. There are many strategies listed.

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 * =It's Critical=

By David Booth
|| David booth examines ways to engage students in literacy using technology that is prevalent in culture today. || media type="youtube" key="OBrHj_StdJE" height="240" width="387" align="center" ||
 * [] || Web resource for the text, **Toys to Tools.** ||
 * [] || Website/blog. There is a nice collection of youtube videos, great for the i-phone and the i-pad.
 * [] || Website/blog. There is a nice collection of youtube videos, great for the i-phone and the i-pad.
 * []

This web page shares ideas on how to use a cell phone in a chemistry class... as a cheap and accessible tool for spectrometer, an analytical chemistry tool. ||
 * Amazing i-phone app for music class || media type="youtube" key="tERtCiAvdfQ?fs=1" height="235" width="388" align="center" ||