During ECS 100 we were required to do several assignments about a topic of our choice. I chose to research cell phone use in the classroom and I found it very interesting and helpful so I thought I would just write a few of my findings here.
While doing these assignments I realized that cell phones were going to become a lot more common in classrooms as time goes on, specifically in older grades. Cell phones have many wonderful tools and apps that can be used to create interesting and fun learning environments. I also learned that by including cell phones in the classroom, in a more normalized sense, it decreases the likelihood that they will become a distraction. Also, an issue that was brought up was the risk of cyber bullying but I think that with the inclusion and encouragement of cell phones in the classroom the teacher would be able to monitor more closely what the students are using their cell phones for. Lastly, a slight flaw that I found in regards to cell phones in the classroom was accessibility. Depending on the school you work at or the kids in your classroom, not every student may be able to afford a cell phone or have access to one. Due to this, I think that it is important that if teachers want to incorporate cell phones into a lesson they need to be aware of the students in their classroom so that nobody feels left out. All in all I learned that cell phones can be a great tool when used correctly and it’s something I might consider using when I become a teacher.