A quick overlook at how cell phones can be integrated into lessons.

1. K-12 Technology Education: Cell phones By: Melissa Arias

2. Cell Phones in the classroom Some positive uses that teachers have found: Polling/quizzes Research information Video and camera uses

3. Polling/Quizzes Students can use their cell phone ring tones as a buzzer when playing a review and/or quiz game (Dale 2007). Some universities are already using cell phones as a polling device; students SMS text their opinion or answer, that is projected for the class to see (Moon 2010).

4. Researching Information Most students have access to the internet on their cell phones; this is a great researching tool. Students can find answers fast, to questions pertaining to a lesson topic (The Innovative Educator 2008). If students do not have access to the internet on their phones, SMS text to GOOGL (46645) to find answers.

5. Cell Phone Video and Camera Uses Students can retain information by video or taking a picture; missed assignments or incomplete notes can be retained (VanDrimmelen 2007). Homework assignments or projects can require students taking a picture or video of something; this makes the task more engaging (VanDrimmelen 2007).

6. Why cell Phones? As a teacher, I have found that connecting lessons and activities to students lives is most effective. Students benefit from real life connections; cell phones are part of their daily lives.

7. Disadvantages Cell phones can cause a major distraction in the classroom if not used as a part of a lesson: Students are constantly texting or using their cell phones in class. Teachers must stop lessons to address students who are using their cell phones which wastes instruction time.

8. Policies Most public schools do not allow students to use cell phones in the classroom. Teachers who wish to incorporate their use should have permission from the school and/or district, before doing so.

9. Effective planning In order for the mentioned suggestions to be effective, teachers must think about and plan lessons ahead of time. Teachers should be clear about student expectations and the proper use of cell phone use for each lesson.

10. References Moon, B. (2010, September 20). The value of using cell phones to enhance education and some concrete ways to do so [web log message]. (2008, may 12). retrieved from http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2008/05/value-of-using-cell-phones-to-enhance.html [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2010/09/cellphones-in-the-classroom-bad-idea-inevitable-or-both Dale, J. (2007, June 06). 10 ways of using mobile phones in the languages classroom [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://joedale.typepad.com/integrating_ict_into_the_/2007/06/how_to_use_came.html The value of using cell phones to enhance education and some concrete ways to do so [Web log message]. (2008, May 12). Retrieved from http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2008/05/value-of-using-cell-phones-to-enhance.html VanDrimmelen, J. (2007, June 06). 8 ways to use camera phones in education [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://edutechie.com/2007/06/8-ways-to-use-camera-phones-in-education