I just came from viewing my last post and I can clearly see that it was quite lengthy, so I will try to make this one short and sweet because I personally know how intimidating long blog posts can be. No one wants to spend hours reading what you have to say, no matter how interesting it may be! :)
This is just a short post about the usage of cell phones. The writer is discussing her dislike for how cell phones have become a necessity, even in low income districts, and she wonders what age is appropriate for a child to get a cell phone? (because we all know there is no avoiding it today) What do you guys think is a respectable age for a child to carry a cell phone?
Nowadays, you see cell phones being used by children of all ages. I have seen them in a Grade 1 classroom. What six/seven year old needs a cell phone? Personally, I feel that is a little to young. I got my first cell phone when I turned sixteen. Emergency purposes only dad said! However, that emergency phone has grown attached to my hip and is constantly used as a phone book, clock, alarm, source of communication, etc. Is sixteen still a reasonable age for one’s first cell phone? Probably not anymore. Is there a right answer to this question? Most definitely not. I guess the more important question, regarding cell phones and their increasing popularity, is there anyway we can use them in the classroom to help aid our students in the learning process? If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear them!
Hi there. I read your post….and decided to do a little research, although i don’t know much about it. I found two articles that might be of interest to you, and my possibly give you some ideas of how you could incorporate cell phones into the classroom. The article about the math teacher, I found, was more about the fact that she took the time to value what the students were interested in….. which ultimately engaged them. Take a look: http://www.techsavvyed.net/?p=200
The second article is especially interesting and is worth taking a look at: http://www.netc.org/focus/examples/messag.php
Hope this gave you some ideas
July 20, 2007 @ 3:11 amThis is a really interesting topic. I can see what you mean, that it is difficult to decide when a cell phone is actually appropriate but at the same time,recognizing the need to find a way to use it in the classroom. Another tool to connect to our students right?! I took a look at the articles posted by Nicole and they are very interseting. What a great idea to use a cell phones text messaging to summarize a piece of literature (such as a quote). It is possible that it could also be used for practicing a poetic form or as a tool for organizing a groups work. Photography in school is also a valuable tool and while not everyone has a digital camera, as both these articles stated, it really is the majority that have a cell phone now.
July 22, 2007 @ 2:31 pmAt the same time, there are some challenges to be faced. Many schools would require a huge change in policy in order for this to take place. I have worked in two schools with a complete ban on items such as cell phones and ipods at school. The plan for how they were going to be used would relly have to be well demonstrated. Also, there is that issue of age. While I think this is a great idea in grades eight and up, are we pushing the limits by doing it any earlier? Do we really want our 6, 7 & 8 year olds having phones let alone using them in the classroom. I believe in the idea of having early access to phones for emergency purposes but why then would these young children need them at school? I think when they say start carrying cell phones in case they have an ‘accident’, and I don’t mean in a car, that we are really pushing it!
Hi there Amber! How are you enjoying your summer? Working hard?
July 23, 2007 @ 10:05 pmThe topic you brought forth was actually reminiscent of a conversation that I had with a parent who was the Mom of a friend of my daughter’s. Her and her husband had been in an argument over buying their daughter in grade 8 a cell phone for a graduation gift. Her and I shared the same view on cell phones.
We believe that they really are not a necessity for a person who is under 16. If my children are anywhere that they are not able to get a hold of me by means of a “regular” telephone, then they should probably not be there!
Now I do agree that there would be certain times when a cell phone would come in handy (an emergency), but generations before survived without.
As Gillian said, there really should not be a reason why young children should have them at school. I think that they would be more of a hinderance in the classroom as opposed to a tool!
The cellphone debate rages on. To me there are many facets of the debate. Personally, I’m not big on them and certainly aren’t convinced everyone needs them especially young kids. But when schools are considering their place I believe there are a couple of guidelines to follow.
1. Since they are and will be a part of their world both now and in the future, why not recognize the opportunity to discuss etiquette, manners, et al.
2. Why not leverage the technology, Nicole and Gillian have already alluded to this.
As with so many technologies we don’t understand, the easiest way to handle things is to ban them. I thing there has to be a better response. Thanks for the conversation.
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