Articles: https://teachinghistory.org/digital-classroom/tech-for-teachers/25273.
“By expanding our toolbox to include smartphones, teachers can create exciting lessons that seamlessly transition into meaningful learning while students have fun.”
In the article “4 Ways to Integrate Smartphones Into Your Classroom”, Rhett Oldham explains how cell phones need to be used as a tool for learning, rather than thought of as a distraction and banned. Oldham goes on to give us 4 examples of how we can use common apps that people use to help further our learning capabilities in classrooms. Snapchat, Instagram, Camera, and Virtual Reality are all tools that can be used in the classroom on cell phones.
“Without a thoughtful approach, neither cell phones nor polling platforms will fundamentally change a classroom…”
This quote from “Cell Phones as Classroom Tools” by Greg Kulowiec points out a good point about cell phones, as well as some apps and even other electronics used in classrooms. Electronics in classrooms aren’t going to completely change how and what students learn. Instead, it looks to engage students in activities that are more enjoyable and create a learning environment where students can learn. This quote from Kulowiec points out that allowing cell phones and other forms of electronics in classrooms won’t dramatically change everything.
“Instead, if used thoughtfully, they can create a classroom environment where students are more comfortable sharing their perspective or understanding because of the visual confirmation that is created when the poll results are revealed.”
Kulowiec goes on to say this in the article, which I completely agree with. The primary purpose of using cell phones in classrooms is to engage students, the best way to do that is by using apps like “Poll Everywhere”, which will allow students to answer questions anonymously, as well as get students more engaged. Cellphones and other electronics aren’t going to completely replace classrooms, most students still learn best from in-person classes where teachers engage their students as much as possible, and Poll Everywhere is the exact app that can do it, as well as some others that can add new aspects to the classroom.
