2. Table of Contents:
Overview
Benefits of using cell phones in the classroom
Challenges of using cell phones in the classroom
5 Apps useful for language learners
Resources
3. Nowadays, just about every time you turn around there's a student with their
phone out. In a school that is not mobile phone education friendly, these
phones can be spotted underneath desks, inside backpacks or in the crooks of
students arms.
What if you were able to take those
continuously interrupting phones and USE
them for educational purposes?
4. - Availability:
Not every student has the access to a laptop to
bring to class or at home. However, practically every student
has a cell phone.
- Save paper:
The assignment can be completed, saved and
emailed all from a mobile device.
5. - Share information:
Students were easily able to share information through
texting, e-mailing, etc.
- Solve Problems:
Easy access to full text items without taking a lot of time.
- Aren’t required to be plugged
6. - Distraction
students use phones to talk to others outside the classroom
- Interruption
ringing or text message beeps interrupt class
7. - Misused
Cell phones offer limited access, an access that can be easily overused.
- Schools don’t have the necessary technology to open up mobile learning to
everyone on a continual basis.
8. 1. Word reference (vocabulary)
2. Grammar Up (Grammar)
3. The Phrasal Verb Machine (ELA Content)
4. What’s app (worthwhile)
5. Mentimeter (worthwhile)
9. 1.
Word Reference
This app allows students to translate single words from French, Italian and
Spanish into English. It is a great, quick reference guide without the pitfalls of
google translate. This reference also provides multiple connotations for the same
word.
10. 2.
Grammar Up
This app is perfect for high-school/adult learners of English. It has practice
sections as well as tests for ELL’s and is designed for those taking the TOEIC
English Proficiency test.
11. 3.
The Phrasal Verb Machine
This app allows ELL’s to practice phrasal verbs, a major content area
in English Language Arts. It has a wide array of aides for ELL’s
including definitions (in a variety of languages) and animations. The
students can then practice using these verbs.
12. 4.
What’s app
This app allows users of all different phones to be able to be in contact with
each other without using data and/or messaging rates. It is especially
beneficial for students to be able to confer, communicate and answer
questions if in different places whether on group projects, homework or
other school related items of importance.
13. 5.
Mentimeter
This app allows teachers to create surveys and polls. Each survey is given an ID
and each student then puts in that voter ID to vote for their choice. Great to use
to introduce comparisons between countries (What sport is played the most?
Where do you vacation?, etc.) and to use the data for open table discussion.
14. There are pros and cons to using mobile
phones in a classroom setting. While
they are second nature to the 21st
century learner, teachers may also feel
uncomfortable allowing them a
presence in their classroom. However
cell phones are found in the classroom
one thing is certain: there MUST be
teachers who are prepared to learn
positive ways to incorporate them and
use them appropriately.
15. Sources:
Higgins, J. (2013). More schools using cellphones as learning tools. Retrieved from
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/personal/2013/08/07/views-shift-
on-cell-phones-in-schools/2607381/
Jones, R. (2011). Cellphones in the classroom? South Shore Journal. 4. Retrieved
from http://www.southshorejournal.org/index.php/issues/volume-4-
2011/79-cellphones-in-the-classroom
