Cellphones as Learning Tools Inside Classrooms

Cell phones and its modern cousins, the smart phones are traditionally off-limits inside the classroom. The usual thinking is that these gadgets are distractions that take away the attention away from the lessons. Smart phones are now loaded with features including games and entertainment by demand that can help entertain students during their spare time. While smart phones are packed with entertaining features, the same features distract the students’ attention in the classroom. The result is a diminished academic performance that has led many educators to recommend the phasing out of phones in the classroom.  This is no longer the case right now or at least based on what selected teachers are doing. According to Pew Research and as reported in Mashable, there’s now an increase in the number of teachers rethinking the use of cell phones inside classrooms. Classroom teachers are now using cellphones as learning tools that can help boost instead of affecting learning outcomes. Here are ways these gadgets are reshaping the classrooms.

Cell phone use can teach students responsible use of technology

There’s no denying the impact of cell phones in the community, and there’s escaping its influence. Everyone will use or at least encounter a cell phone sooner or later, so it’s only fitting that students should be introduced into this technology. Introducing the students to cell phone use is like preparing them for an ‘education for life’. Smart phones are now used in many transactions- shoppers use their phones to shop, engineers and architects view plans using phones and retail owners now use smart phones to check inventory and sales remotely.

Mobile devices help equip students with 21st century skills

School curriculums now call for the development of 21st century skills, and one better way to introduce these skills is to use new technologies like smart phones. Phones are now packed with all the latest functionality and features that allow students to collaborate remotely.

Mobile devices help students learn better

One reason why many schools don’t allow the use of phone is that students might use the gadgets to cheat. This is an outdated view on this modern gadget. With proper guidance and education, students can use their mobile phones as learning tools. These gadgets can be used for research, for validating answers using the web and in preparing reports.

The use of mobile phones can bring out some questions, but with proper guidance and use, these gadgets can serve as tools for learning. The key here is responsible use of technology- make sure that students are aware of its uses, there’s a set of rules and students are properly oriented.