Thing #22

Cellphones as classroom learning tools - I took Bud Hunt's K12 online class and this was the first conference I tapped into at http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=152 to open the discussion about Cellphones as learning tools. I listened to this podcast and the theory of connecting kids favorite digital toy with classroom learning. But, aren't they distracting? Didn't we live without them for 100 years? Aren't they disruptive and don't they allow kids to cheat on exams by textmailing each other? Apparently not in 25 NH schools where kids can access homework, class assignments and conduct research. But, who is footing the bill? The parents, the school? This conference is also where I linked to http://www.gabcast.com/ and made my own podcast. The benefits of cell phone use: they couple w/Web 2.0 resources, can be data collection tools (and not just social toys), mobile web, calendars, calculators, cameras and audio recording devices. Is the cellphone the "next swiss army knife"? Welcome to the 21st century!