Mobile Learning

I was excited to explore Classroom 2.0! This resource is amazing...seriously...AMAZING!!! I know that it sounds like I am just "buttering-up" for the class. But, I am a pretty straight shooter (as you will see in a minute...LOL) and I typically call it like I see it no matter what the situation. So, when I rave about something, it's because I really like it. This page is full of people just like my me who love to use technology in their classroom and teaching practices and we are all constantly looking for new and exciting ideas. I have already added this page to my tool bar for quick access and will spend way too much time this summer exploring what everyone else is up to!

The first thing I notices was that I am already building lessons using allot of the tools being dicussed on this page (i.e., blogs, online calendars, Google Docs, podcasts, RSS, and social bookmarking) However, I found tons of new ideas on how to incorporate these tools into my classroom and my daily life. I also found some news tools that I have not tried and will spend time over the summer checking them out to see if they are something I am interested in.

One tool that I reviewed for this assignment was the cell phones in education. I did not like this idea. I am a very open and forward thinking guy when it comes to most things and especially using technology in education. However, cell phones are a huge "pet-peeve" of mine in school. The issue with cell phones is control of use. I am all for technology when it enhances or adds to a students learning potential. In my opinion, cell phones are not successfull in this area. Too often, when cell phones come out the texting and tweeting begins. I have personally caught students taking inappropriate or embarrassing pictures and videos of classmates via their cell phone. This is unacceptable and why strict rules have been put in place for cell phone use in schools. To me, the best thing you can do is keep the cell phones put away. I can find tons of ways to add technology to my lessons that is fun, new, and beneficial without having to turn to cell phones. For these reasons, I do not see myself using cell phones in my classroom.

We were also asked to create a Poll Everywhere activity for students to complete via text message. First, I am not currently teaching this semester and I did not have my own students to apply this activity to. Second, with my views on cell phone use in school I could not in good faith ask a colleague or friend to allow me to complete this task with their students. I would not want to put them in an awkward position of doing me a favor that would probably go against their districts "phone-use" policy. I did however explore this site and I think the idea is exceptional in the proper setting. I would use this source in a college classroom or in a professional setting without hesitation. I would also use this tool to get feedback from parents on dates for activities, fieldtrip ideas, etc. I see alot of potential with using Poll Everywhere, just not in the classroom with students.