From Toy to Tool---Cell Phones as Learning Tools (K12 online 2007 conference)

Led by Liz Kolb http://toytotool.blogspot.com, from the University of Michigan.


The session itself was a mix of PowerPoint and live camera. Her session was very informative and the speaker kept a good pace. She presented a mix of class related cell phone uses and resource demonstrations.


Before watching this presentation I would have immediately said no cell phones in any classroom. After watching the presentation I would still say no phones in class, but I can see the uses outside of the class. I would say they are still a supplement to learning not a requirement. Purely because not all kids can afford a cell phone or have access to them. I suppose the same could be said about computers.


“A 2006 study by market research firm the Yankee Group found that if trends continue, more than 50 percent of the “tween” population (8- to 12-year-olds) will be using cell phones by 2010.” –Hunter, 2007


Classroom related uses:
Cell phones can be data collection tools not just social toys.
--Record audio, take pictures, take video…
Cell phones can be used in collaboration with curriculum-based projects.
--Ring tones, wallpaper, text messaging
Cell phones as a research and organizational tool
--Mobile web, calendars, calculator


One of the resources that I found interesting is the free sites she demonstrated in which you can create podcasts with your cell phone. The students access the podcast with their phone or go to your blog and listen. Many of these sites can post to your blog, automatically---create audio greetings, and host conference calls. Student project ideas are things like collect sound clips from field trips, conduct interviews, practice speech skills etc…

Interesting resources:
Gabcast http://gabcast.com (free)
Gcast http://gcast.com (free)
FreeConferencePro http://freeconferencepro.com/(Free)
Phonezoo http://phonezoo.com (free ringtones)
Textforfree http://www.textforfree.com (free texting)
Mobiode http://mobiode.com (create surveys—send to phone list—free)
Homework Now http://homeworknow.com


A couple of examples of schools using cell phones are:
Southeastern Louisiana University-
http://www.selu.edu/library/askref/index.html (you can text questions to librarian)

New Hampshire schools-twenty-five schools are encouraging their students who own web-enabled cell phones to use them to access homework, class assignments, and other content.